The Journey of Josephine Cain by Nancy Moser - REVEIWED

About the Book: (from Summerside Press)
A pampered socialite embarks on a journey to the Wild West where her life is changed forever. 

A setting populated by hundreds of laborers, outlaws, and Indians is hardly the place for a wealthy general's daughter from the nation's capital. But Josephine Cain is determined to visit her father, who supervises the day-to-day work involved in the grandest ambition of post-Civil War America: the building of the Transcontinental Railroad. 

Life with the railroad is far from the proper life Josephine is used to, and she faces deadly gunfights, harsh weather, and vigilante uprisings. She is torn between the West and the East; between her privileged upbringing and the challenges of a new frontier; between the pull of the suitable beau her parents approve of and an attraction to a rough but charming Irish railroad worker. But if Josephine is willing, and courageous, she just might find a new life, a unique purpose . . . and true love.

My Thoughts:

Josephine Cain is a character torn between her longing to be free from her family’s mourning of her brother’s death, the nation’s mourning in the wake of the president’s assassination, and her youthful longing to have a family of her own.  Not such a pleasant place to be, especially since there are such staunch opinions about what is accepted and proper for a privileged young lady, a general’s daughter!  But the Civil War has ended and the railroad companies are in a dead heat, racing to stretch tracks from coast to coast, and Josephine becomes a bit desperate to escape the confines of her very rigid life.

Nancy Moser has been a long time favorite author of mine, and her latest novel, The Journey of Josephine Cain, is indeed a journey!  It is a journey into the unknown territory west of the Mississippi, a journey into lawlessness and meager living, and a journey into the heart of truth revealed and the transforming power it has upon the heart and spirit of someone willing to acknowledge its presence.

Josephine strives to do what is right, but finds herself bound by societal rules.  Then she discovers she has been bound to lies, greed and self-serving interests.  Her journey into true freedom is breathtaking and awe-inspiring.  Nancy Moser has captured the essence of post-Civil-War society and the deep longing to explore the unknown territory in search of freedom.  

About the Author:

Nancy Moser is the author of three inspirational humor books and a 24 novels, including Mozart's Sister, Just Jane, An Unlikely Suitor and Time Lottery, a Christy Award winner. She is an inspirational speaker, giving seminars around the country. She has earned a degree in architecture; run a business with her husband; traveled extensively in Europe; and has performed in various theaters, symphonies, and choirs. She and her husband have three grown children and make their home in the Midwest. Read more about her books at www.nancymoser.com.