All She Left Behind

I have the greatest respect for Jane's ability to take a person and give them life in a book for us to lean and enjoy and different and way of life. I have read all of Jane's books over the years as well as purchase extra copies for friends and gifts. I enjoy reading a sorry of strong women and men who not unlike all of us work to grow and overcome conflict, challenges and live a full life.
All She Left Behind is the story of a women who over comes a learning disability, a husband she loved who is loss in drink and drugs that destroy their marriage. The son from the marriage breaks the mother heart by following into the fathers footprints causing years of struggles for all.
I would highly recommend this book or any of the numerous stores crafted by Jane. The one problem I find always is not burning thought the book in a couple of days which I did with this book. I work and still finished the book rapidly.
With Jane's books I believe you will find like I did you think about the different actions of the characters and wondering what happens to the extended families moving on in life over the years.
I hope you find pleasure in reading All She Left Behind as I did.
Now I wait for the next book 2018 I always order even before they hit the shelves to assure quick delivery. Please post your thoughts after reading all She Left Behind love to read if you found connections with the book . Lynne California.

I struggled with this book. While the initial storyline looked intriguing, I found the writing to be very choppy and the story to be less than interesting. I kept waiting for it to get better - for there to be a climatic moment - but it never got there. I was relieved when the book finally ended.

Sometimes multiple years would pass between sentences, and there was no "here's what happened." The author just kept pushing forward. It was like reading a personal diary where the writer only remembered to record the events of the day a few days a year.

While I received an advanced copy for my review purposes, I was shocked at the number of typographical errors throughout. I truly hope this book was re-edited before going to print.

Well-researched and beautifully written novel about Jennifer Parrish and her and her husband Josiah's contributions to Oregon history. Jennifer's struggle to pursue her dream of becoming a doctor reminds us just how far women have come in their fight to be treated more equally. Two things that I found remarkable about the late 19th century: That it took so little time/education to actually become a doctor and the fact that drug and alcohol abuse was prevalent.

As always, Kirkpatrick "weaves" the facts she uncovers into a captivating story filled with suggestive metaphors, as when referring to rain, "pelting the windowpanes like an anxious percussionist at the concert hall." Gives you a sense of how hard it was raining. And this one, "All the breath of a thousand angels seemed to swirl about them, their wings fluttering her heart," conveys Jennifer's feelings love and happiness.

Kirkpatrick is a master of metaphors and lyrical language that ensures an enjoyable read.

Still trying to understand why her relationship with Douglas was so strained, even at a young age.

Once again Jane Kirkpatrick discovers and reimagines one of Oregon's courageous women. Jenny Parrish works her way through a divorce, when divorces were shunned, as a single mother, and then as the wife of one of Oregon's pioneer clergy. Her childhood dream of being a doctor is realized through the encouragement and love of her husband. One of the early graduates of Willamette University near Salem, Oregon, Jenny goes on to raise three children and practice medicine.

All She Left Behind is a compelling tale! Based on a true story, Jane Kirkpatrick deftly weaves fact and fiction and beckons readers into the Oregon frontier. A woman of great dedication and determination to help others, Jennie Pickett faced extraordinary situations and lived a remarkable life. I enjoyed the historical depth and detail of the narrative and the palpable emotions of its characters. A richly layered and stirring story, All She Left Behind is a recommended read for those who enjoy historical fiction.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.

All She Left Behind by Jane Kirkpatrick was not my favorite book from this author but it was wonderfully written. I've enjoyed her writing style in past books by her but with this book I just couldn't seem to be able to invest myself in Jennies story as much as I wanted to. The writing is the same historically rich style that I've come to expect of Jane Kirkpatrick's books and while I din't connect with Jennie I enjoyed the history involved in her story.

4 out of 5.

I received a copy of this book from Revell in exchange for my honest review.

I have just finished reading Jane Kirkpatrick's, All She Left Behind, and it is outstanding. If you are interested in history, and in this case, Oregon history, you will love it. Also, if you are interested a woman's determination to overcome adversity and in her reliance on faith in God, you will love it.
Jane Kirkpatrick is a master story teller. As I read about the life of Jennie Parrish, I felt I'd been transported back in time to early Salem, Oregon and the surrounding country and marvel at the lives that were lived and the impact they left on us here today.

I could not personally relate to the main character Jennie and that bothered me a bit as I usually am enthralled with every Jane Kirkpatrick heroine. I was frustrated with her denial and her actions but I stayed the course and was floored when I finished the book. What impressed me the most was how well the title, fox story and Jennie’s life events came together to form an overall picture of determination, love and sacrifice. I have been so inspired by her life story that I have even talked about her in my history classes. I am such a sucker for redemption stories and this book was the best kind of surprise.

This book did an excellent job of making Jennie's life real. I was
Held captive by the need to know what happens next in her journey through this life. Her talents and achievements are real and the story is woven expertly around her life. This is a book well worth reading.

I enjoyed reading this book as I spent several years in Portland. It is interesting to read about attitudes towards alcoholism and drug addiction back then

The reason I only gave this book 3 stars in spite of my liking it was that there were many, many blank pages that left gaps in the story as it unfolded.

So well written, so hard to put down. A captivating story of a young woman`s determination to make a positive difference in the world. With the help and support of friends and family who love and believe in her she finds the courage to realize her dream.

All She Left Behind is a fictional story written by Jan Kirkpatrick based Jennie Pickett Parrish, one of the first doctors in Portland working with women and children. Jennie and Charles Pickett were married in 1860 and lived with her sister's family. They had a young son, Douglas, and Charles worked for their brother-in-law. Charles started drinking and became addicted to alcohol. They borrowed money from Josiah Parrish to start a real estate business. But Charles used the money for other things. He divorced Jennie so she and their son are not pulled in to his life. With no way to support herself and Douglas, Jennie moved home to her parents. Josiah offered Jennie a job caring her his ill wife, Elizabeth, to work of the debt. When Elizabeth passed away, Jennie stayed to help Josiah go through their home and prepare for him to move to Portland. During this time, they got to know each other and developed a relationship. They eventually married and Josiah convinced Jennie to go to school to become a doctor, a dream she pushed aside to raise her family.
This is a great story. The story focuses on the topic of addictions and how they affect the family. The story also gives historical information concerning divorce and women's place in school and business. I really enjoyed reading this story and seeing the strength that Jennie had to move forward with her life as a single mother. The struggles Jennie went through with Charles, her son and their addictions must have been really hard. I appreciate the research the author has done to write the story as well as the additional information she includes in the book, such as who the characters are and the different types of herbs Jennie used and what she used them for. I believe anyone who enjoys reading historical stories will enjoy reading this story.
I received a copy of this book from Revell Publishing. This is my honest review.

Jennie Pickett’s life has taught her how to become a healer using natural herbs. She loves to help people with their ailments and longs to become a doctor. But in the Oregon Frontier of the 1870s, professional life for a woman has not yet become a reality. So, when she has the opportunity to take care of an elderly woman, she takes it. But after her patient dies, Jennie discovers that she has developed a romantic interest in the widowed husband, who is several years older than her. However, he may be able to open doors to where she could become a professional healer.

The prologue of this book had me hooked. I was ready to find out what happened immediately after reading that only to find that I had to fill in a few gaps first. Kirkpatrick is a master of historical fiction based on actual events and it appears that she is a fan of the Oregon frontier as well. Having read her previous novel The Road We Traveled, I knew some of what to expect on her research, which also makes me research. For historical fiction lovers, pick up a copy of this one!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

Stories that take me back to a different time period always pique my interest. Even though Jennie Pickett didn’t seem to have much self esteem she did possess a dream. It wasn’t a dream that most women were encouraged to have. The though to have a lady doctor in the late 1800s was not very popular. It reminds me of the show Dr. Quinn. I loved that show because despite what the men though of her in town, she opened her own practice. Just like Dr. Quinn. Jennie was determined that she would become a doctor. Her strength to overcome so many obstacles was encredible to read.

She does give the elderly woman the best care possible when she finds out she is ill. When the woman dies Jennie is heartbroken and wonders what her widower and son will do know. Is it possible that Jennie has developed feelings for the widower?
The best part of this story is that it is based on a true story and the author really shines with the research she did to make the story authentic. As with all her books, the author writes with a style that captures each character and builds them slowly to be an intregal part of her beautifully written story. Jennie does have some bad luck when it comes to marriage, but perhaps that will change when she meets Josiah. He is a welcome addition to the story and encourages Jennie to fulfill her dream. I loved how the author brought up some hard subjects that some people are uncomfortable talking about.

Jennie had a big heart and wanted to treat everyone who was ill. She recognized the need to address alcoholism, and abuse. I can’t imagine the turmoil she went through as she spoke to patients who were afraid to speak up. Would you be willing to help women and children find shelter for them knowing that some didn’t approve? I found the book te quite a journey and loved how the author took us to many different scenarios that Jennie faced. Will she find true love again after getting hurt before? Will the community recognize her as a well respected and gifted doctor. I keep thinking about the scripture that says, “Treat your neighbor as you would want to be treated.” I think Jennie heard her calling on her life and wanted to treat the sick, because she would want the same for herself if she was ill. I loved her character and she will be one I remember for a very long time .

I received a copy of this book from Revell Books. The review is my own opinion.

All She Left Behind by Jane Kirkpatrick is based on a true story from 1860’s Oregon history. This book is a wonderful example of Jane Kirkpatrick’s ability to tell a story from historical documentation that brings out the compassion in the readers. Jane “Jennie” overcomes great personal and physical obstacles to become a known healer, doctor, and public figure for her time in the Oregon west.
Seventeen year old Jane Lichtenthaler of Washington County, Oregon married Charles Pickett in March of 1860. During their wedding dance Charles slipped, fell hard, and hit his head on the rough floor. We will not know if this affected his personality or if he had problems before the accident, but Jennie soon learned hard lessons from the man she had married. He was not always the kind person she had thought him to be before the wedding. Jennie and Charles had a son, Douglas and a baby daughter who died at her birth due to the cord being around her neck. Jennie would always wonder if the delay of Charles bringing the doctor, both smelling of alcohol as she was in labor with baby Ariyah, had contributed to the death.
Jeanie has the spirit of a natural healer. She is knowledgeable about herbs, plants, tea, and tinctures. Her heart’s desire is to be a doctor, although she knows that Oregon in the 1860 will be hesitant to approve of allowing a woman to become a healer equal to a man. Jeannie also has a small learning disability. She has trouble reading and deciphering letters, what we would call today as dyslexia.
Read how she overcame the spousal abuse, loss of a baby, financial disaster, divorce, and humiliation among family and community to rise above and be heralded as a forceful and strong woman who kept her faith during troubled times. Once you start reading you may not want to stop!

I honestly tried to get behind this book and enjoy it. I was really interested in the plot of a woman in the late 1800’s trying to get into the medical field. However, I could not warm up to the main character Jennie. She was written with two personalities: a caring, godly woman who wanted to heal the ill, a woman quick to buy a scarf for the prostitute whom her husband frequented and gave cocaine to her son. But then the other personality was one that turned her back consistently on her son. I was surprised by her choice in a second marriage. I had thought - hoped it was all a ruse and she would fall for Josiah’s son. I just didn’t feel the love connection. In the end, I wholeheartedly agreed with the title. She left her sister, her son, her husband and daughters for her own needs. I could not warm up to the selfish woman portrayed.

Learning about the life of Jennie (Pickett) Parish, a female doctor, is an in depth probe into the life and times of the 1870s Oregon lifestyle. Jennie's dealings with an alcoholic, philandering and addicted husband, her subsequent divorce, and surprising remarriage to a much older man is spell-binding. It was difficult to put the book down. Jennie overcame a reading disability, and with the encouragement of Josiah Parrish, her second husband, became a skilled practitioner. She delved into the issues of alcohol and addiction, and medical concerns for women. Jenny left a legacy to her children and to the field of medicine that was astounding. I loved this fleshed out novel based upon real people and real events.