A Captain for Laura Rose by Stephanie Grace Whitson

A Captain for Laura Rose by Stephanie Grace Whitson - 325 pages

A Captain for Laura Rose is an apt title for this novel for it has duel meaning as both a captain for the steamboat Laura Rose and a captain for it's pilot/owner Laura Rose White.  On it's first trip upriver for the 1867 season, the steamboat Laura Rose faces unimaginable tragedy as illness strikes down it's captain and his mother, leaving the captain's sister Laura Rose orphaned and full owner of their late father' boat.  Determined not to give up her home, Laura Rose faces the adversity of paying off her father's and brother's debts, both of which require her to make one more trip upriver or loose the Laura Rose.  Coming to her assistance is her brother's friend, Finn McKnight and his sisters, Fiona and Adele.  Together they make the perilous journey from St. Louis to Fort Benton, Montana on the Missouri River.  The experience forever changes the four main characters and unites them forever.

Overall, I enjoyed this book.  Each character is believable and fills a unique role in their journey.  During the first part of the novel, as the Laura Rose prepared for its journey, readers have the opportunity to understand the role of St. Louis in river travel and see the city as it was for the era.