Evelyn's Anxious Bench (The Baker Family Saga) [Kindle Edition]

Evelyn's Anxious Bench (The Baker Family Saga) [Kindle Edition]

Book Description Publication Date: November 10, 2013 The first book in the baker family saga is about Evelyn Baker Brook. Evelyn doesn't want to leave her comfortable home in Maryland and blaze a trail to Oregon but her father says yes, and the family usually does what Father says. Lawrence, her husband agrees. Evelyn believes she has lost everything when her family pulls away from their home and all its luxuries, but she soon finds that she can loose more when her husband goes after a killer and never comes back. Life is nothing like she always thought it would be. She has to make the remainder of the trip with her little ones, by herself. Her extended family have their own problems, so she must struggle alone. But wait, is she alone? She discovers more than one friend ready to help her - and is there a new love in her future? And what does it all have to do with Lawrence?

Editorial Reviews Review 5.0 out of 5 stars William Wilberforce, Slaver and the Anxious Bench, September 23, 2013

By Paula Rose Michelson - See all my reviews This review is from: Evelyn's Anxious Bench (The Baker Family Saga) (Kindle Edition)

For lovers of historic fiction researched to the nine's "Evelyn's Anxious Bench" takes the reader on a unique journey as the Jonathan Baker's family, used to being waited on hand and foot makes the difficult journey from Maryland through the Oregon Trail to finally arrive in the Willamette Valley without the assistance of those slaves who made life, according to Evelyn, "Bearable." Author, Allison Kohn has wisely set this tail in a primitive and demanding land, and juxtaposed what the sojourners are used to, with what they need to learn to survive. Upon this canvas, we discover that the lessons presented to this clan are the very ones we in the 21st century would be wise to learn from. "Can fiction teach us how to make our life better?" you might ask. My resounding answer is, "In this case absolutely!" Walk in the shoes of these erstwhile pioneers who press on because the head of the family insists they do and see what befalls them as they travel the Bear River. The passage is so well written that for a moment, I heard the roar and smelled the fragrant air.

From the Author This is an adult adventure, written from a Christian world view, about blazing a trail to the Willamette Valley on the west coast from Independence, Mo in the early nineteenth century. Imagine having lived in Maryland high society, pampered and peaceful; then finding yourself out of material blessings, without servants. Evelyn and her family had to learn to cook and take care of their own children from an inconvenient covered wagon - and they had never even dressed themselves before. Evelyn and her sisters didn't think it was a bit funny, but I did and I'm sure you will too. You will also cry with her and experience her fear and confusion.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews 5 of 5 people found the following review helpful 5.0 out of 5 stars Evelyn's Anxious Bench August 7, 2013

By Gene Covington Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase Evelyn's Anxious Bench. This is the first in a series. When it was suggested that I read this book I had no idea what it was about. What the heck is an Anxious Bench, I wondered... Well it just goes to show one shouldn't worry to much about the title. It is what's in the pot that makes the soup so good that counts. Evelyn's Anxious Bench is a real good soup that I'm sure anyone who likes adventure is sure to enjoy. I give Allison Kohn's "Evelyn's Anxious Bench," a 5 star rating for putting such a worth while read together. If one pays attention to the lessons it presents, it is a story that when read can make your life a better place to be.

My faith stresses that we should always seek the good. It doesn't matter from where the good comes from, just so that it is of good rapport and pleasing unto God's eyes. This book must certainly be a creation that our Father in Heaven is pleased with.

As you travel the pages of the story you can literally feel the transformation of the folks as they go from a life of dependent luxury and of little self worth to people with strength, personal pride and integrity. It is of people who knew and cared little about God. As they journey from comfort in the east to build a new town in the west in the 1800's you experience their hardships, lost loved ones, pain and suffering. You will also become a member of the family and wagon train and share in their family love and happy and exciting experiences. Their discovery of God and the records his prophets left to help them live by is an exciting part of the book.

As they travel Bear River I could smell the air, hear the roar of rapids and I longed to be there for I have traveled, fished and hunted that land. Thanks for taking me there once again. Read more ›

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful 4.0 out of 5 stars Great Historical Christian Novel!! July 17, 2013

By Dolores Ayotte Format:Kindle Edition In "Evelyn's Anxious Bench" Jonathan Baker takes his extended family on an arduous journey from Maryland through the Oregon Trail to the Willamette Valley during the early 19th century.

In essence, this fictional novel is the story of Evelyn Baker-Brook and the challenges she and her family faced as they plodded along on in an effort to fulfill the dream of starting a settlement in a new and unknown world. Having grown up in the lap of luxury...with a beautiful home and servants to meet their every need...Evelyn finds herself in a strange and unfamiliar environment.

After several days of travelling, they finally meet up with the intended wagon train so that they can travel in tandem to their much sought after destination. While on route, they are robbed by some thieves disguised as fellow travellers who add to their stress and anxiety. Lawrence, Evelyn's husband, decides to go after the thieves and leaves Evelyn alone. She is forced to continue with the rest of the wagon train and hopes to hook up with Lawrence somewhere along the path. She is has no idea how to drive this clumsy oxen-driven wagon and finds herself in dire straits when she attempts to cross a river with her cumbersome load. With the help of Preacher O'Riley, who manages to adeptly navigate Evelyn's wagon, children, and all her worldly possessions to the other side, she continues on her way.

Evelyn soon discovers that she faces many unexpected and perilous challenges. Although this is a fictional novel, Author Allison Kohn does a great job of combining both fact and fiction to describe the extreme conditions of that era. "Evelyn's Anxious Bench" is an easy-to-read, Christian novel which is sure to attract a wide reading audience. Read more › › See all 13 customer reviews (newest first)

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