The Daring Ladies of Lowell by Kate Alcott

The Daring Ladies of Lowell by Kate Alcott - 287 pages

The Daring Ladies of Lowell is a novel that addresses the harsh working conditions of early American cotton mills (in this case, the first at Lowell, Massachusetts 1832-1834) and the friendships formed among the girls who worked there.  The story is followed mostly through Alice Barrow.  She befriends Lovey Cornell, whom is later murdered, and becomes Lovey's advocate for justice.  Additionally, she begins to petition for safer working conditions in the mill. Taken together, these two quests form the majority of the storyline.  Throughout, her friendship with the boss' son helps to pave the way for some reforms.

This novel was a fast-paced read and historically accurate.  In all, Alcott has scored another win and it's even better than her debut with The Dressmaker.

The Prairie Traveler by Randolph B. Marcy -252 pages

The Prairie Traveler: A Handbook for Overland Expeditions - Randolph B. Marcy Captain U.S. Army (published by authority of the war department) originally published in 1859, 252 pages

In 1859 the westward expansion was in full swing. But horrible tales of lost and ill equipped pioneers were causing people to be hesitant. Captain Marcy was commissioned to write a guidebook to help those in the east navigate to the verdant western territories.

The instructions on: what to wear, what weapons to carry, what foods and medications to bring, how to make your animals last for the entire trip, and a host of other things. All these things the pioneer needed to know.

From a 21^st century viewpoint we think that certain levels of technology are essential to life. Yet 150 years ago, a great many people traveled more than 1600 miles to new homes and new opportunities without the aid of an acceptable Internet connection!

God Save the Queen by Kate Locke

God Save the Queen by Kate Locke - 351 pages

One word...Superb! I was not expecting this. When I first seen this book I was sceptical, did not know what it was all about. When I read the back of the book it was all about vampires and werewolves. I thought cool this should be preaty good. Boy was good a poor choice to use on this, it was fantastic.

Alexandra - Xandra/Xandy to family and friends- is a halvie and  part of the Royal Gaurd for the original Queen Victoria and the year is 2012. Yes, Queen Victoria in 2012. She is a vampire the rules Britatin with an iron fist and no one is to stop her. But maybe Xandra?