A great historical novel. Realistic charactures who seem to come alive while you are reading. Tells about the hardships of settling Kansas. A Must for all readers

COME SPRING transported this reader to the raw Kansas prairie of the nineteenth century. I was especially drawn to the female characters and their struggle to assist in the settlement of the land, as well as their determination, against heavy odds, that new townships would be a good place to raise a family. These complex women-some connected to the land, some disconnected from the land-brought incredible strength not only to the often traumatic conflict of this struggle, but also to the raising of families without the advantages enjoyed by contemporary society. Still, one senses that these same qualities live even today in modern women, who seek to maintain decent families and homes and communities the world over, regardless what obstacles might confront them. Excellent novel!- ...

A delicious romance, this story makes music as beautiful and true as main character, Aura Lee's, piano playing in St. Jo -- before her transforming life on the harsh plains with her rugged husband Daniel. Only in very good books does one find such depth of characterization, realistic plotting, and authentic historical detail. The novel is well-deserving of the excellent reviews received from both Publishers Weekly and Kirkus, and the Medicine Pipe Award from Western Writers Of America for Best First Novel. I LOVED this book, and loved it again as I read it more than once. Take us to Kansas again, Charlotte, in another book. You're one fine writer!