Coal River

This book is page turning just like her other books. This book takes place in 1912, it's an historical fiction. I am sure I reminded myself to breath at the end of the book because there is some suspense. I would say it's a must read.

Not my favorite book by this author but still well worth reading. The subject matter was difficult for me and yet I don't doubt that it was historically factual. The ending was tied up a little too nicely to be believable.

Great historical fiction on the terrible conditions of mining industry that prevailed in the mid 1860's. Well written. It was a very compelling story. It was so sad to read how awful children were treated and forced to work in the mines. Great read.

Excellent portrayal of life in coal mining reflects exactly the stories of sacrifice and violence handed down for generations in these communities. I'm recommending this book to family and friends in So. ILLINOIS.

I had the privilege of reading the advanced reader copy of Coal River. This book is certainly a "one sit read". The page's just kept turning with wonder of what courageous Emma would do next. This book will NOT disappoint you!! It's a must read!

This book is amazing!! It is fast paced from the first pages. I can see this as a movie, it is so engrossing. This author is very talented. You can't not like this story.It is fiction, but is fact based. There are plenty of real life examples of the cruelty exihibited by mine owners that finally gave rise to miners unions.

I was distracted by her continual use of the word "gaped" which I presume was used to express surprise. I think another description could have been used suck as gawk, gazed, ogle, glare, gloat, admire, attend, consider, contemplate

Loved this book! Learned a lot about the conditions coal miners and their families historically lived and worked under. Wonderful Story about the human spirit and the will to survive under difficult circumstances as well as how one person's efforts can make a difference to a community.

This is the third book by Ellen Marie Wiseman that I have read, and her books are always amazing. I really like her style of writing, she is very good at describing scenes so you can see everything in your head as you read. While some people don't like the romance within the story, I do. I think there is enough horror out there, and the story itself is heart breaking, so adding romance doesn't diminish the quality of the story at all. Some people like to say romance is silly and unnecessary but I think the author fits that in really well, without being mushy, or too unbelievable. I really appreciate how every boom she touches on subjects thay are grave and uncomfortable to talk about. I will always read her work because she never disappoints. This book is truly fantastic