Beneath the Bending Skies

Written by Jane Kirkpatrick

Narrated by Christina Moore

Bound by duty—loosed by destiny

Mollie Sheehan has spent much of her life striving to be a dutiful daughter and honor her father’s wishes, even when doing so has led to one heartbreak after another. After all, what options does she truly have in 1860s Montana? But
providing for her stepfamily during her father’s long absences doesn’t keep her from wishing for more.

When romance blooms between her and Peter Ronan, Mollie finally allows herself to hope for a brighter future—until her father voices his disapproval of the match and moves her to California to ensure the breakup. Still, time and providence are
at work, even when circumstances are at their bleakest. Mollie may soon find that someone far greater than her father is in control of the course of her life—and that even the command to “honor thy father” has its limits.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc.
• Release date: Sep 6, 2022
• ISBN: 9781705074541

Jane Kirkpatrick

Jane Kirkpatrick is the author of twenty books and is a two-time winner of the WILLA Literary Award. Her first novel, A Sweetness to the Soul, won the Western Heritage Wrangler Award, an honor given to writers such as Barbara Kingsolver and Larry McMurtry. For twenty-six years she "homesteaded" with her husband Jerry on a remote ranch in Eastern Oregon.  She now lives with Jerry, and her two dogs and one cat on small acreage in Central Oregon while she savors the value of friendship over fame.

Reviews for Beneath the Bending Skies

[khoyt-43756 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

When a book's title has the words "Bending Skies" in it, expectations are very high. Jane Kirkpatrick has delivered on that promise with this novel. Delightful phrases like "bringing a bit of spring inside" and "the flowers marveled at their surroundings" are scattered throughout this book. You find yourself sighing over the imagery, sorrowing with the heroine as she endures trials in her life, cheering as Mollie finds bliss and contentment in everyday life. Jane consistently finds fascinating, historical people and events about which to write. She details their lives so intimately you can't help but fall in love with them. She writes about people who were essential at critical times in the expansion of this great country in which we live. Thank you to Revell Books and LibraryThing for sending me this ARC in a giveaway. I am grateful to be able to have an early copy of this book. This is my honest review of this book. I will reread it and mark it up, underlining everything that speaks to my heart.

[alekee_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I loved this read, based on real people and real happenings. Be sure to read the author's notes at the end!A story of love, for a parent, and for a spouse, and then your children. A romance between a young girl and a man that is ten years older, and soon forbidden. How does this work out? Well, we are there for the bumpy ride, and the crossing of many states, the hardships and and the trials of life.This is Mollie Sheehan and Peter Ronan's story, their journey to win her father's approval. We are also treated to some US history, and spend time with Indigenous Peoples, and are there with as they try to survive.A read you don't want to miss!I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Revell, and was not required to give a positive review.

[grrllovesbooks · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I received this book from LT Early Reviewers.I normally don't read this type of fiction, but I must say Beneath The Bending Skies by Jane Kirkpatrick is a captivating story told in a fascinating way.The blending of historical fact and fiction is seamless. Well worth a read. I look forward to reading other works by Ms. Kirkpatrick.

[susan0316 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Molly was young when her mother died and she was 6 the first time her father left her to go West. He left her with a German family who took care of her for several years until he came back to take her further west with him. He married again and Molly had to get over her jealousy that she had to share her father with someone else. As she grew up she learned to love her new mother and new family. She fell in love and wanted to get married until her father expressed his disapproval and moved the family further west. Molly finally stands up to her father and marries the love of her life. The second half of the book is about the lives of Molly and Ronan. They started a family and spent time living on an Indian reservation and their friendship with the Indians made it possible for them to become agents to help take care of the welfare of the members of the tribes. Molly lived a long satisfying life while being a real pioneer woman and helping to make changes to the lives of other people.Be sure to read the author's notes at the end of the book. She explains that her book is based on a real person - Mary Ronan - and her travels throughout the West during the late 1800s. She also explains where she discovered information about Mary and her travels and what characters and events in the story are based in reality. Her research to find all of this information was extensive and she managed to incorporate the real people and events with fiction to create a very readable story.I've read several other books by Jane Fitzpatrick and she is one of my favorite authors of Christian fiction. Her books emphasize relying on God and praying for his direction but they are never preachy. As usual she has done extensive research into her subject and makes the reader feel that they are traveling with Molly throughout her journeys in the late 1800s.

[croknot1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Thoroughly enjoyable reading! Historical fiction at its finest. Kudos to the author and many thanks to LT for sending it to me.

[polarmath · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Mollie has done her best to be a dutiful daughter, but soon finds herself wanting more. She has spent so much of her life doing everything her father wanted her to that when she finally gets a chance to do something she wants to do, her plans don’t go as she wishes. She has fallen in love, but her father does not want to lose her and does all he can to keep them apart. I really enjoyed reading the story of her perseverance and how Mollie learned to come into her own.

[eccl-3 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Beneath the Bending Skies, by Jane Kirkpatrick, is a Christian historical fiction story based on the true person, Mollie Sheehan. The story is based mainly in Montana in the 1860’s. This story is well written and easy to visualize with good characters. The story shows the depth of research the author has done.Mollie’s mother past very young. Her father left her behind in other’s care, including his new wife, for long months at a time. While he was gone her step-mother allowed the family more enjoyments than he did. At just 14, Mollie met and fell in love with her father’s friend, Peter. When her father found out he disapproved and moved the family away.This is a nice story that shows the type of relationship Mollie and her father have. He is gone for very long stretches of time yet he is very controlling and Mollie does what he wants her to. Even though the story is somewhat slow moving, I enjoyed reading it. I admire the depth of love between Mollie and Peter and how it survived the distance apart. I liked the interaction Mollie has with one of the sisters in California when she was thinking of becoming a nun. I especially enjoyed the part of the story of them working with the Flathead reservation in Montana.I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book through the Revell Reads Bloggers Program, this is my honest review.

[jaymewill-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I have not read very many Jane Kirkpatrick books before, but I enjoyed Beneath the Bending Skies very much. It made me want to visit Montana! The author does an excellent job of describing the characters and settings.Beneath the Bending Skies is about Mollie Sheehan's amazing life in 1800's American West. After her mother passes, Mollie is left to the care of different strangers while her father is off hauling freight for miners. He turns up unexpectedly to take her with him to meet his new wife and child. Mollie is afraid her stepmother will be like the ones she has read about in fairy tales. Thankfully, Ma Anne is a good woman with a sweet spirit who welcomes Mollie with open arms. The book continues with Mollie's growing up years and eventually falling in love. Her father forbids the match and demands she sever ties with the man forever. She obeys her father for four long years. When she turns 20, she decides that she has to follow her heart and marry the man she thinks God has for her. After many ups and downs, Mollie and her husband Peter, find a permanent place among the Native Americans in Montana. They have many happy years and many struggles along the way, but their faith always sustaines them. I was happy to read at the end that this is based on a true story. You can even find the lake and State Park named for Mollie on Google maps, Lake Mary Ronan!

[grammy57 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I requested, through Revell Reads program, to read and review this book. I am sorry to say, I did not enjoy this book very much. I have read other books by Jane Kirkpatrick and have enjoyed most of them but this book was just too slow. It dragged on without much really going on. The characters were not very well developed and it felt like reading someone's calendar almost as if each chapter was another week from the calendar.I am sorry to say I give this book a 2 out of 5 star review.

[claudia.castenir · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Jane Kirkpatrick writes fiction based on careful and thorough research of the lives of ordinary yet extraordinary women who have been the backbone on which this nation was built. How might someone be ordinary yet extraordinary you may wonder. These women, including Mollie Sheehan Ronan on whom Beneath the Bending Skies focuses, lived lives not seeking to make a name for themselves by seeking to do great things, but by doing small things bravely, by putting the heartfelt desires of others first, and by showing great kindness. These women carry on in difficult circumstances, focusing on the work to which they were called. They are defenders and encouragers of those on the fringes, and they are agile, adapting to what life throws at them. While our lives may be constructed under much different circumstances, their lives remain a strong example of a life well-lived. I recommend Beneath the Bending Skies and other book by this author to those who are looking for a slow, easy paced book filled with gems of wisdom. I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell and to have been accepted to its blogger team. All opinions expressed here are my own.

[mizroady · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Mollie Sheehan was totally committed to caring for her father after her mother’s death. She was only six years old in 1858 when her mother passed. His freight wagon business kept him gone for long periods and left her in the care of others. Mollie wanted to keep the biblical statute to honor her father in spite of his many times, unreasonable ultimatums. When he remarried her new stepmother, Anne, more and more responsibilities were piled upon her and he always quoted the scripture when she tried to disagree. While life was difficult and often miserable she persevered to keep her duty to “honor her father”. That was until she fell in love with his best friend Peter Ronan who was 13 years older than her. After this she truly understood that honoring her father did not mean never having a life of her own.Peter became Superintendent of the Confederated Tribes on the Flathead Indian Reservation in Montana. It was a daunting job, one that he excelled at and made his own history. Here they began their family. Mollie loved her husband and stepped into her difficult and often frightening role as his helpmeet. The area was remote and many necessities were not available. There wasn’t even a doctor at first! Supplies could be scarce, plus the unpredictability of Indian attacks.At any moment she could be called upon to host a meal for any number of people. They might be Indians or someone famous. A feast was pulled together with whatever was on hand and done so graciously. Mollie’s love and respect of all people, no matter what their station in life, was beautiful. Her love ran deep to help others and she would make whatever sacrifices were needed. The open door policy with the Indians where they could walk into their home anytime day or night (and they did) had to be difficult, but Mollie took it all in stride. In addition to the constant company and erratic life, she was giving birth to her children in quick succession. She was an amazing woman. It might seem odd but one of the things that fascinated me about her was the description of her thick, massive hair that hung well past her hips. (I searched pictures of her on the internet and it was remarkable!) I cannot imagine how hot and uncomfortable it was in the summer, but the sheer effort it took to wash, comb and dry it without modern conveniences is beyond my imagination. Ms. Kirkpatrick once again has written a great book.I received this book from LibraryThing and Revell Publishing in exchange for an honest review. The opinions stated are my own.

[chrirob · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Mollie Sheehan's life is turned upside down when her mother dies, but her father is almost inconsolable. While her father finds solace in work, Mollie must contend with being left with strangers in her father's absence. Just as Mollie gives up hope of seeing her father again, he returns to claim her & start their life anew. Mollie learns very quickly that her dreams of independently caring for her father are crushed - her father has married again. However, the young woman he has married is kind & patient with Mollie and becomes Mother Anne to the lost & rebellious child. As Mollie grows into a beautiful young woman, she begins to learn of life & love and the sacrifices to be made for love, duty, and family. However, will Mollie give up love at the request of her father? Will she content herself with caring for her irrationally, overprotective father at the loss of what could be the love of her life? This was a really good book and I love that it was based on a real person! Ms. Kirkpatrick is very good at narrating the lives of real people and making you want to know more. Thank you LibraryThing for the Early Reviewers copy! :)

[pegmcdaniel · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

When it comes to historical fiction, Jane Kirkpatrick does a wonderful job. She finds a notable historical person and writes a novel that brings that person and family to life. In each of her historical novels, it's evident that she has done a tremendous amount of research.The person this time is Mary Catherine "Mollie" Sheehan Ronan who lived in Montana in the mid-1800s. She is divided over whether to obey her father or follow her heart's desire to marry the man she loves. The novel follows her through the years as a young girl who loses her mother but eventually gets a loving stepmother, finding the courage to stand up to her father, then on to her marriage and family life on the Flathead Reservation where her husband is a federal agent. There are many interesting side stories regarding Mollie's education, family life as they moved from place to place, what life was like in Montana during that era, and the various family relationships. I especially enjoyed reading about her positive dealings with the Salish, Kootenai, and Pend d' Oreille tribes. She was a strong, positive, Christian woman who struggled to find her place in the world.I was sent a free Advanced Reader's Copy from Revell Books, via LibraryThing, in exchange for my honest opinion.

[maret5g · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Based on the Mary Ronan true life story. Mollie, always an obedient daughter, went against her father's wishes and married his friend whom she loved since she was sixteen. Nothing could break her love for Peter Rowan. Not her broken engagement forced by her father. Not her father's decision to move the whole family to California. And not his demands for her to take teaching classes. Did she make the right choice by following her heart rather than to obey her father's advice? This is a beautiful story filled with love, commitment and dedication. It's about choices that people have to make and about the trust that we put into God's hands. What I liked the best:* exploring different places during the 1800s* great descriptions of cultures during that time* family love and commitment Overall, I very much enjoyed reading this book. The writing style and the way the story was told is outstanding. I was committed to this book the whole time I was reading it.This is the story of Mollie and Peter, two exceptional loving people, that made changes in people’s lives by keeping their doors and their hearts opened all the time.

[coverloverbookreview · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I know I can't go wrong with a story by Jane Kirkpatrick. She's a strong writer and imaginative storyteller. I enjoyed this story and the different relationships - romantic, familial, broken...The father daughter relationship hit some chords, and it's sad in many ways. The relationship between Molly and Peter was romantic and filling. This is an excellent story showcasing love, courage, and strength.Thank you, LibraryThing, for my Early Reviewers copy!

[lifeofliterature · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I am always drawn to books by Jane Kirkpatrick because they are based on true stories. She pens novels with such fantastic historical research and depth that brings these stories to life. The pace of this novel is a little slow, but that really allowed me to get to know the characters, history, and setting well, and I liked the detail the author provided. I was also impressed with the great spiritual growth and truths in this novel and found my own faith strengthened simply by reading and reflecting. The journey that Mollie embarks on with her romance instead develops her faith in a real and raw way. The cover to this novel is gorgeous and is but a small reflection of the wonderful words that lie beneath. I highly recommend this book!I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Publishing. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

[amybooksy · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Beneath the Bending Skies is another wonderful novel written by Jane Kirkpatrick. I always love reading her historical fiction and this one is one of my top favorites she has released to date. I enjoyed reading Mollie and Peter’s story so much. It is a beautiful story of faith, forbidden love, and hope. It is one of the books that kept me engaged from start to finish. I am giving Beneath the Bending Skies a very well deserved five plus stars. I believe readers who enjoy clean historical fiction. I am eagerly awaiting Jane Kirkpatrick’s next release. I won a paperback advanced reader copy of Beneath the Bending Skies from librarything.com, but was not required to write a positive or post any kind of review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

[lamb521 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Title: Beneath the Bending SkiesAuthor: Jane KirkpatrickPages: 352Year: 2022Publisher: RevellMy rating is 5 out of 5 stars.Mollie Sheehan is a young woman who has faced loss in her young life, with her mother dying when Mollie was almost ten. Her father takes her from their home in Kentucky to live with a cousin in Missouri. He leaves her there as he works as a freighter and must travel far from home a lot. He suddenly reappears years later and takes Mollie away from all she knows. They arrive in Denver to another new home, and this time there is another woman. Her father has remarried.Time passes and Mollie grows. Her father is gone most of the time, earning a living for his family. Mollie has a good relationship with her stepmother. She loves her father but doesn’t always understand him. She lives her life to please him but doesn’t think she is successful in this. She feels she is a disappointment to him. Mollie begins to be courted by a younger friend of her father’s. Her father is away, but her stepmother approves of the match. However, when her father returns, he is adamantly opposed to the match, so much so that they move to California. In time, Mollie arrives in Montana and lives in close contact with the Native Americans in the area. She builds a life and relationships with these people whom she comes to cherish. She has practiced what her mother taught her long ago…to be kind and to be brave. As a result, she gains treasure beyond comparison.Jane Kirkpatrick has written another winner! I loved her last book, The Healing of Natalie Curtis, and was hoping her next book was just as good. The vivid descriptions of scenery, people and relationships put me back in time, standing right beside Mollie. The characters were well-developed, and the prose was such that my emotions were engaged. I was right there with Mollie through her heartache, angst, disappointments, love, and faith. I loved that the story was based on a real person and events in her life. What a woman! Be sure to read the Author’s Note for more history. I learn something each time I read one of Jane’s books. The time spent researching many resources I can’t imagine. Thank you, Jane, for your efforts in providing this reader with a wonderful story that taught me new things.Note: The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility.

[huberk-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

5 stars, Delightful Story of Familial Ties

BENEATH THE BENDING SKIES

by Jane Kirkpatrick

I love the feeling that the author Jane Kirkpatrick is able to stir up and draw me headlong into her stories. She takes a little true history and weaves a beautiful story around it.

Mollie promised her mother she'd care for her father James, right before her beloved mother died. Her father married another woman Anne and it falls to Mollie to take care of her new family since her father was gone a lot of the time on extended business trips.

Mollie falls in love with Peter, who is her father's business partner. James feels betrayed when the two tell him of their wish to marry. Mollie is heartbroken when her father tells her she can't marry Peter and she has to stay home and take care of him. When James tells Mollie she must do what the Bible teaches, to "obey your father," Mollie is flabbergasted that her father is refusing to let her go so that she can start a family of her own.

Later on, Mollie lives on the Flathead Indian Reservation. That is my favorite part of this novel. I love the new friends she makes and the new things she learns how to do, while she's there.

Highly recommend. I like how Ms. Kirkpatrick includes the pronunciations of Indian tribes, so you know how they should be pronounced, like Salish= [Sail-ish], Kootenai= [Coo-ten-i], and Pend d'Oreille=[Pon-door-ray].

#favoritebooks #favoriteauthor #newrealease2022 #revellbooks @bakerbookhouse #bakerbookhouse

With much gratefulness and enthusiasm, I received a complimentary copy of #beneaththebendingskies from @revellbooks I was under no obligation to post a review. #1860stimeperiod #historicalfiction #FlatheadIndians #Montana #NezPerceIndians #inspyfiction #coverlove #ChristianFiction #inspirationalfiction #janekirkpatrick @janekirkpatrick

[ecataldi-1 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Mollie Sheehan finds herself torn between pleasing her father and following her heart. As a woman in mid nineteenth century Montana she doesn't have a lot of choices. Especially since her father is constantly moving his family all over the countryside chasing new dreams and business ventures. She, her stepmother, and younger siblings are dutiful and always try to make the best of each situation, but it can be challenging having to start fresh so often. Mollie longs for stability and when she finds Peter Ronan, a journalist with a big heart she is instantly smitten. The only problem is he is her father's friend and she knows he won't bless their union. As expected he forbids their relationship and decides to move his family far away, this time to California. Will their love survive the years? Beneath the Bending Skies is a fictional account of a real woman, which explains why their isn't really a plot to be found. It just describes Mollie's life from the the age of 6 up to her last child (and boy she has a lot of those!). The biggest theme of the novel is trying to win her curmudgeon father over, and that's it. The rest is just the story of one woman as she ages and finds love.