A Sweetness to the Soul (Dreamcatcher Series #1) (2024)

I wrote this book. It was just named by the Oregon State Library as one of 150 Books celebrating Oregon's 150th anniversary as a state.

This book is based on the true story of Jane and Joseph Sherar, mid to late 1800s, and located in an area of Pacific Northwest I'm quite familiar with.

At the tender age of twelve Jane faces a tragedy for which she takes on the blame. This guilt, and lack of forgiveness from her mother are always in the background of her life. Her friendship with Sunmiet, a Tygh Indian girl, is an escape from the oppressiveness of her home life. Sunmiet's gentle wisdom helps Jane in her journey toward forgiving her mother.

Married to Joseph Sherar at a very young age, theirs is an inspiring love story. Her spunk and independence are given freedom in their marriage by working right alongside him in their business ventures. Joseph Sherar is enterprising to say the least, with many successful businesses even before their marriage. After buying land around the Deschutes River in Oregon, a thriving business of road building, bridge tolls and a stagecoach hotel took up much of their life. The friendships and working relationships with the local Tygh Indians, Mexicans and Chinese are beneficial to all and inspiring. Their story is told in Indian writings and in other historical articles: Article about the Sherars

Despite the strained relationship with her mother, and the lack of the one thing in her life she desired greatly, the love she and Joseph Sherar shared offers her a full life. There are lighthearted edifying storylines, as well as heartbreaking events, all making this book so realistic.

The novel carries a low-key spiritual message that is evident but not overbearing.

There were complaints from other reviewers that it was too long, but I loved every bit of it and enjoy a long story if it's interesting and well written, which this really is. Ms. Kirkpatrick has a unique way of describing everything, even as simple as a dog laying down: "…the kelpie… stretched, tail wagging to the air, panting through a happy, tongue-washed smile."

No, this was not too long. It was just right.

This was almost a stretch for me to take on - it could be counted as romance genre ... But plunging ahead, the story of Jane Herbert in the late 1800s in Eastern Oregon was a fascinating glimpse into life at that time.

It helped tremendously that I happen to know the region where the book took place: The Dalles, the Deschutes River, Warm Springs Indian Reservation, Canyon City, Oregon.

It turns out the book was loosely set around real historical characters, so a bonus. But Kirkpatrick writes richly, and with warmth for the people of the land. The narrative is not a fairy tale - there are tragic deaths, not so happy marriages, disappointments, which ground the tale in real life.

And I'm a sucker for books that start out with a main character being a child, and concluding soon after the character passes after a full life.

One of the best books I have ever read.... read it years ago.

Before there was Nancy E. Turner ("These Is My Words"), there was Jane Kirkpatrick who seems to find these sweet, obscure stories from the Westward Expansion of the 1800s and ripens them. In this book, Kirkpatrick brings to life a beautifully constructed historical novel about a madly-in-love couple who were instrumental in the urbanization of wilderness Oregon during the Westward Migration. There is a depth and spirit in our leading lady that is both universal and inspiring. I think one of the things I enjoy most about Kirkpatrick's style is that the book is replete with life-lessons learned without being overly idealistic or moralistic. Based on actual people and historical facts surrounding them, (as explained in the book's epilogue) this a wonderful look at history-in-the-making and the far-reaching effects of following one's ambitious dreams.

This is the first of Jane Kirkpatrick's books I read, and now she is one of my favorite authors. Such a coincidence how I found this book: We had been to a weekend trip in central Oregon and visited Sherar's Falls while there. The day after we got home, my daughter wanted to go to the Christian bookstore to get a book. While I was waiting for her to shop, I looked through the books and found "A Sweetness to the Soul", which looked good to me. When I got home and looked at the book more closely, I was astonished to find that it was the story of Sherar's Falls and the people who lived there.

Best quote: It'll take you nowhere but to misery to blame another for things the way they are."

This book tells the story of a young, spirited, pioneer Jane Herbert. It is "filled with insight and glimpses of real-life pain and offers a pwerful testimony to themiracle of God's healing power" without being "churchy".

I had a bit of a hard time becoming interested in this book but eventually the story started to engage me. Joseph and the bridges he built were remarkable. The man has such vision and ambition. He took action as easily as my brother building roads for his toy cars. Of course that was sad in its way as well. He took a nearly pristine wilderness and opened it up for development. I haven't been to eastern Oregon, only driven the coast roads between California and Washington (made possible by people like Joseph Sherar) but my thoughts about Oregon usually run along the lines of, "The logging industry has raped this state and left it for dead." Hopefully we people can eventually find the balance between living in our world and protecting our environment. ((I was thinking about this story today (2 months after reading it) about the death of Jane's siblings and her mother's reaction. I have this to say: When your child dies you lay blame; either on yourself, someone else, a place or G-d. This is inevitable. One can work with the feelings but it is necessary to lay blame somewhere. Jane's mother lost 3 children in a few days. She was destroyed, you can bet on it, and she laid blame. I am sure that she felt completely justified in later taking the widower's daughter.

This book could be a 3.5 rating and possibly even a 4 star rating if it wasn't so long. Long books don't bother me but I felt like this one just kept going on and on and on with small stories in Jane and Joseph's lives. Stories that I think could have been left out or shortened to not make you feel like the novel was going to end but yet something else happened. This is the second book I've read by Kirkpatrick because I liked the first so well (A Mending at the Edge). I did enjoy the historical part of this book, learning about the pioneer days of settlers in Oregon (very interesting!).

The title says it all. Even if you are not a western fan, this is really worth your time. I felt enriched by the words. I often reflected that this was a book of friendship and realtionships and was comforted by the people I met through the pages. The prose was beautiful, but not pulling punches. The characters were well defined, and the added element of the main characters being factual only makes it sweeter. Really an exceptional book.

This story touched me. It rang a familiar tune in my own life. I have read many of Jane K's books, most all of them out of order and it just doesn't seem to matter. If it weren’t below freezing outside, I would take a drive to the area in this story, but I guess it will have to wait until Spring.

Another great Jane Kirkpatrick book. She bases a lot of her books on historical characters and this one is Jane Sherar. Jane marries a much older man, becomes best friends with an Indian girl, and makes a life for herself in Oregon. The love story between her and her husband is really sweet.

Can you ever go wrong with Jane Kirkpatrick? Of course, no! Yet another sure-fire winner from her.

Excellent historical novel.

I loved this book. It leaves you feeling peaceful. I grew up in near the Columbia river and Central Oregon where most of the towns are referenced in this book so it was wonderful daydreaming what these places used to be like. The character development was beautiful and I didn’t want the book to end. It is based on true stories of the area so that made it all the more Interesting to me.

Based on true facts. Jane Herbert is 12 years old when tragedy strikes and sets her on a lifelong search for forgivness and love. Her wounds need healing-both in her heart and between she and her mother. She finds the love of her life in a dreamer 16 years her senior. Together they build bridges over rivers and troubled relationships, making peace with their indian neighbors.

Kirkpatrick isn't one of my favorite authors but I did appreciate the research evident in this novel based on a real-life couple, Joseph and Janie Sharer. I see there is a sequel but I'm unsure if I'll pursue reading it.

The blend of fiction & fact in a historical novel is my favorite reading, especially when the setting is in country known to me. JK often relies on repetitive descriptive phrases and gentile wording that becomes annoying, but manages to interest the reader enough to move them through the story.

Another excellent historical novel by Kirkpatrick about Joseph and Jane Sherar, a couple who made a huge impact on the settlement of Oregon near Multnomah Falls.

Based on historical characters and events, A Sweetness to the Soul recounts the captivating story of young, spirited Oregon pioneer Jane Herbert who at the age of twelve faces a tragedy that begins a life-long search for forgiveness and love. In the years that follow, young Jane finds herself involved in an unusual and touching romance with a dreamer sixteen years her senior, struggles to make peace with an emotionally distant mother, and fights to build a family of her own. Filled with heart-warming insight and glimpses of real-life pain, A Sweetness to the Soul paints a brilliant picture of love that conquers all obstacles and offers a powerful testimony to the miracle of God's healing power

At age 12, Jane Herbert experiences a horrible tragedy which haunts her and sets her searching for love and forgiveness for the rest of her life. Her wounds need healing—both in her heart and between her and her mother. Jane finds the love of her life in Joseph Sherar, a romantic visionary sixteen years older than she. She has a deep longing for children—and security. While Jane never bears children of her own, she has a family—through Joseph’s compassion and sensitivity. Together they build bridges over rivers and troubled relationships. On their journey west, "they discover that to pursue one’s dreams with strength, flexibility, and faith brings a sweetness to the soul and touches the lives of others in the process."

This started a bit slowly for me, but I became engrossed in watching these rich, dynamic characters develop as they opened Oregon for further settlement. Kirkpatrick is able to weave pain and suffering, joy and love, along with the mundane of everyday life into a rich tapestry of relationships and depth of character. I finished the book slowly because I didn't want it to end.

I thought this book was excellent! Absolutely Superb! I enjoyed that is was written by a christian and had christian values. The story tells of young Jane Herbert, age twelve, who is ripped apart when three of her four siblings are taken by diphtheria. Jane is further distressed when she has to live with the guilt, thinking that it is her fault. She thinks that she can somehow redeem herself when she is married and has children. She marries a man that is sixteen years older than her (she was fourteen when they were married) and later finds out that she can't have children, of her own blood at least. Her ambitious husband builds a future for them and creates a huge boarding house where she is able to take care of people. Her husband's friend, a widower, let Jane's mother take care of his daughter. Jane's mother blames Jane for her children's death and says that Jane cannot take care of the girl. Jane later ends up becoming the young girl's adopted mother then finds herself with another daughter, a young foreign girl called Alice, who comes to board with them. Jane was previously hurt because all of her friends were prospering with children. Jane ends up having three girls in the house because her niece's father died and left her family with next to nothing. This is a heartwarming story. I thoroughly enjoyed the plot, the diversity of characters, and the lessons that this book tells. I honestly don't think that this book could be improved at all. If you like books about historical fiction, redemption, some mild action (and romance), then this is the book for you! I highly recommend!!! It teaches that God will answer your prayers, even in the most unexpected ways. And he will never fail you. Read and enjoy!!

A Sweetness to the Soul was a good read. Kirkpatrick based the story off of the lives of Jane Herbert and Joseph Sherar who settled a certain area of Oregon in the late 1800's. The story, characters, and the inclusion of Native Americans were great, but the writing...I got SO tired of all the silly sentences of foreshadowing that were EVERYWHERE! Sentences to the effect of, 'If only I had known then what I know now,' or 'Little did I know what would happen next.' I made those up as extreme examples, but that was the gist of sentences throughout the story. It's like, yes, I know things are going to happen that I'm not aware of yet (obviously); you don't need to keep sprinkling in silly allusions! The story reminded me a lot of These Is My Words which I LOVED. But, considering that, it was impossible for me to enjoy ASTTS as much as I may have had I not already read TIMW.

Overall, ASTTS really was an enjoyable read and I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in west coast HF set in the later 1800's. Although this book is technically Christian HF I believe, it didn't mention Christianity nearly as much as other Christian HF I've read. I'm not sure how to rate this. If it wasn't for all the annoying sentences of foreshadowing, I would easily rate it 4 stars. But, since that certain aspect of Kirkpatrick's writing annoyed me, I'm left debating how to proceed...Since I did really enjoy the story and characters, I'm rating it 3.5 stars, rounded to 4. I'm feeling generous :)

This is a lovely historical novel about a young couple making their way and realizing their dreams in the Pacific NW during the 1800s. The book had a slow start but as the characters were developed and the story moved forward, I became captivated. Most of the characters were likable and the two main ones (Jane & Joseph) were people who had such goodness that we all should emulate. Their was a fair share of hurt, pain & disappointment but there was much more happiness & joy. It was amazing to read about how much of a visionary Joseph was and how hard he and Jane worked to bring his dreams to fruition. Even though I love living in the here and now with all our advancements & conveniences, there were so many times that I found myself wishing I could live in a time such as Joseph/Jane did - one where the American dream was still alive and achievable and not stifled at every turn by laws & regulations.

The book was also a wonderful love story in more than one way. The main love story was, of course, between Joseph & Jane but there was also a friendship love story between the couple and their friends, so many of whom were native Indians.

I also enjoyed the author's notes at the end describing what characters and what events were based on fact and where artistic license was taken.

Although the book is long, if you want to be uplifted & inspired, read this book.

(August) It's a book full of lessons well learned, hurt healed with time, perfect marriages and gracious acceptance of loss - in other words, not a book I could readily relate to.

Come to think of it I did learn a lesson from this book - don't borrow books from acquaintances, because then you feel obligated to read them.

That being said...yee-ha for me because, I did it! I'm meeting with the person that lent me this book 3 months ago in exactly 1 and a half hours and I can proudly, conscious free say "I read it"... If skimming the last 2 chapters counts as reading.
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(June): While I've never actually seen a miniseries, I imagine it is something like this book. I feel bad for not liking this it more (lent to me by a friend) but it just seems to be going on and on and on. It is a historical fiction, which are not my favorite - so I thought I wasn't giving it a fair shot but the other day when I read this sentence "...hotter than a high jackers pistol" I knew I needed to set it aside and move on to other books that have been tapping on my shoulder for too long. I still intend to finish it at some point, just not now - maybe after I lose 10lbs, re-decorate my house, re-landscape the yard and catch up on all those long lost correspondences...maybe then.

This is a book to read slowly to appreciate and absorb its wisdom and characters.

Nuggets of truth gleaned from this book:

"It's funny, the pleasures we deprive ourselves of rather than face our fears." P. 14

"But then, it is rarely the event but our reaction to it that change our lives I've found." p. 57

"I noticed something more: the eagle soared not only by his own efforts but by the strength of something else, by the strength of the wind and his willingness to bend to it." p. 86 (in the Bible, "wind" can also mean "spirit" and like the eagle, we soar not by our own efforts but by the strength of
God's spirit and our willingness to bend to Him..my own thought.)

Lessons from a coping saw: "Why do they saw it 'copes'?" "it has both the strength and flexibility...Blade is very strong, good, hard steel. But it bends."
p. 244

"So often one loses sight of what's important by spending too much time focusing on being somewhere else. One forgets to enjoy getting there, don't you know." P. 358

"A hard heart has no room for the good things God gives."" p. 380

I didn't enjoy this book very much. It was a somewhat interesting story, and good writing, but it felt too episodic and a little too boring for me to really get into. Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres, so I was looking forward to reading it. Even though the age difference and girls marrying so young was commonplace at the time this book takes place (and this book was based on a real couple), it was a bit off putting that the two main characters met when the girl was twelve and they married when she was fourteen and he was around thirty. For some reason this bothered me more in this book than other books with the same age difference, and I'm not sure why.

I did like a lot of the information and history about the Indians, but I wasn't really interested in Joseph's dream of building a bridge, and all that. Perhaps that's why this book didn't speak to me as it did to other people.

In the end, the book wasn't bad at all, but I just didn't like it very much. Someone else may like it a lot more than I did.

I'm trying to decide if Kirkpatrick is serious competition to Nancy Turner (These Is My Words and sequels) and think not quite. This book, also based on real people's real lives, was much slower-moving and was quite lengthy. It probably contains more actual personal and historical events than the Turner story, and that may account for the pace. It took me awhile to decide I liked it as much as I do. I was not as familiar with the Oregon setting as much as I would have liked, but now I want to visit that part of the state to see for myself the Deschutes River Falls.

The characters were mostly believable for me, though the hero seemed larger than life and Jane's Indian friend seemed not quite Indian enough. I'm not sure what I expected her to be, though.
I liked the coping saw analogy and felt inspired to want to cope better myself. I am going to read the sequel "Love to Water My Soul" as soon as I can, to learn more about the enigmatic Alice.

l thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The story begins with young Jane Hebert's difficult life in 1800 Oregon. She frequently took care of her younger siblings until they became I'll and died. Her mother blamed her for their deaths which led to an estranged relationship.
Jane eventually married a man sixteen years older than she and they had a good marriage. As much as she wanted children, she did not give birth to any of her own.
Her husband Joseph became a builder of roads and bridges and is still considered a remarkable builder today.
Both Jane and Joseph became friend with the Indians, Chinese, and Latin people in Oregon at that time. Joseph also employed many of them to help him build his roads, bridges, and hotels.
When I read one of Jane Kirkpatrick's books, I look forward to reading her notes about how she found the story, and what is actually factual in the story.

This one probably is like a 3.75; so I rounded up; another interesting historical fiction by Jane Kirkpatrick. Some may find the book too slow, but there is a lot of history wrapped up in this story. Perhaps at those moments in the book, the reader could refer to the fourth quote listed below...

A few quotations:

1. “He said to use what was not my choice and make it into something wise; to always look for the learning in a moment however much pain it carried also.���-142

2. “Wisdom, of course, carries with her both the future and the past while we humans have mere memory.” -161

3. “Men of little minds do not deserve the energy of greatmess.”-159

4. “So often one loses sight of what’s important by spending too much time focusing on being somewhere else. One forgets to enjoy getting there, don’t you know.” -358

Based on historical characters and events, A Sweetness to the Soul recounts the captivating story of young, spirited Oregon pioneer Jane Herbert who at the age of twelve faces a tragedy that begins a life-long search for forgiveness and love. In the years that follow, young Jane finds herself involved in an unusual and touching romance with a dreamer sixteen years her senior, struggles to make peace with an emotionally distant mother, and fights to build a family of her own. Filled with heart-warming insight and glimpses of real-life pain, A Sweetness to the Soul paints a brilliant picture of love that conquers all obstacles and offers a powerful testimony to the miracle of God's healing power

My folks have been recommending this writer and now I understand why they're crazy about her. Jane Kirkpatrick has a way with a good story! This book is set on the Deschutes River in Oregon - part of my home state I am not so familiar with. That said, I thoroughly enjoyed her work and look forward to reading her other works.

I appreciate her careful research and the way she blended fact and fiction. I also appreciated her recounting what was true and what was fiction at the end of the book - not that I'll recall it all later. But I do wonder when I read historical fiction, where does the history end and the fiction pick up? So her explanation was quite welcome.