A View Most Glorious - (American Wonders Collection) by Regina Scott (Paperback)

I have read the other 2 books in this American Wonders Collection and have absolutely loved them! The author does a wonderful job describing the scenery which is just as majestic and beautiful as the covers of these books. This story follows Coraline and her hiking adventure to raise awareness for her women’s group. Her stepfather was determined to find her a proper guide so she could be successful in her hike and not have to marry the man Coraline’s mother picked for her. As Coraline and her guide Nathan start their wilderness hike; they both discover they are both determined, kind, hard working and of good character. Full of faith and perseverance they both turn to God during their adventure and to each other. The characters and setting of this book were enjoyable to read. Highly recommend this historical fiction book and series. They can be read as stand alone books. I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.

This American Wonders series showcasing the National Parks has been educational and fun to read. I especially liked how the author included such serious women’s suffragette matters in this story. It was eye-opening to see what women would do for the movement. I appreciated how the author showed the struggles and how the socialites ruled. It gave insight into what was expected of Caroline Baxter (who was reluctantly part of that group). How could she be respectful to her mother yet follow her heart and convictions. Coraline was willing to accept her mother’s wishes for her life if she failed to climb to the top of Mount Rainier, hence proving a woman can do anything. Cora soon finds this task is far more complicated and demanding than she ever imagined. The thought that she could lose at this task scared her. This is a well-written compelling story, demonstrating just how far and to what lengths women went through to get the right to vote. I liked how the author showed the huge opposition that was willing to stop them from reaching their goal. I appreciated the fact that Cora wanted to respect her mother’s wishes yet still stick to what she believed her heart was her calling. I enjoyed her levelheaded, thoughtful, mountain climber guide Nathan Hardee who knew firsthand what high society dictated. He escaped that life and was happier, or so he thought until he starts on this adventure with opinionated Cora Baxter. The year is 1893 Tacoma, Washington. Cora and Nathan are headed to the summit of a 14, 000 mountain. She was required to bring along a chaperone – her stepfather believes in Cora and agrees to play his part. I enjoyed how the main characters grew as they climbed up the mountain. All the travelers get a view most glorious, not only of the mountain, but also a surprising view on their lives and what’s important. Rock climbing is not like today, where we have lots of fancy equipment. I liked how the author made the reader feel as if they were part of the climb. This was a fun read that leaves a smile on your face and happiness in your heard when you close the book. Disclosure of Material Connection: I have received a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising” Nora St. Laurent TBCN Where Book Fun Begins! The Book Club Network blog www.bookfun.org

Coraline Baxter was not your average woman for the late 1800’s. She was a mixture of that era’s women’s libber and a proper lady that followed all the social customs of time. A suffragette, college graduate, intelligent, creative but she had definite ideas about what she wanted in life. On the other hand she totally under the thumb of her overbearing, social snob of a mother. She couldn’t’ seem to truly stand up to her. To escape her mother’s choice for her marriage to Cash Kincaid, a creepy (in my opinion) socially successful business man, she came up with a plan. Her suffrage group had a publicity idea to draw attention to women’s votes: climb Mount Rainier. Somehow she persuades her mother to agree to call off the wedding if she is successful. I am sure her mother agreed because this was considered close to impossible for a woman, especially one of the “elite” like Coraline. She sets her sights on hiring the best climbing guide there is, Nathan Hardee. He was once big among the wealthy social circles until he left it all behind for a reclusive life in the woods. Not a woman to be told no, other than by her mother, she pursues him until he agrees. The clincher is Coraline has zero climbing experience not in the best of shape. To add to the difficulty her not so healthy stepfather was the only man available to chaperone her. The odds were stacked against her. The story that ensues is filled with adventure, excitement, the unexpected and beautiful scenic descriptions that will ae your breath away! I found it incredible how inadequate their clothing and climbing gear was compared to what is available today! BRRRRR. This made the climb an even greater accomplishment. Coraline’s courage, spunk and sweet spirit won me over! I was impressed that with her snobbish upbringing she was still so loving and accepting of everyone, even those that then would have been considered lower class. Nathan Hardee’s showed such character and integrity, despite his disappointments and bitterness from his past. His strong desire to protect Coraline and her stepfather truly touched me. Throughout the book I just wanted to shake her mother. Her arrogance and attitude of superiority were extremely frustrating. I realized later that all of her misguided attempts to steer her daughter’s future were out of love. She wanted her to have the best and didn’t want Coraline to go through the hard times she had. I wanted to hug Waldo her stepfather. Such a sweet, sweet man that managed to balance his love and support for Coraline and his love and understanding of his wife and her abrasive personality. A story you will enjoy and be inspired by! I received this book from Revell Publishers in exchange for an honest review. The opinions stated are my own.

Coraline Baxter wanted to draw attention to the Women’s Suffrage Association and giving women the right to vote so she decides to climb Mount Rainer. Her mother didn’t think she would succeed so she makes a bargain that Cora must marry Cash Kincaid if she fails. To accomplish the task, Cora’s stepfather hires a guide to help her. I appreciated this novel because it displays the attitude and fortitude of a woman wanting to make a difference in shaping society in the late 1800’s. Cora is beautiful but also tenacious and independent. Although at odds with her mother, she has a tender and amiable relationship with her stepfather, who supports her hundred percent. One of the aspects I really liked about the story was her relationship with her stepfather and their mutual respect and love for one another. I enjoyed the plot and the author seemed to have done a lot of research to include accurate details about the climb, geographical area and time period. The setting sounded beautiful through the author’s descriptive language. I wasn’t crazy about the romance. It didn’t seem genuine to me. Both Cora and Nathan seemed to have a lot of respect for one another, but the relationship didn’t develop into a yearning for one another or develop depth. And it progressed rather quickly. The ending brought reconciliation in a couple different areas which I thought was a nice wrap up. Although this novel is part of a series, I felt that it could be enjoyed on its own. I would recommend reading it if you enjoy historical fiction.

Book Review: A View Most Glorious by Regina Scott American Wonders Collection--Book 3 What would Coraline Baxter, a young independent suffrage supporting woman, consider as "A View Most Glorious"? Would it indeed be the view from the summit of Mount Rainier, after her historic climb? Or would it rather be the view of a new life she secretly dreams of in the future? Or perhaps, the view she sees as she looks back upon her life as a much pursued reluctant socialite in 1893 society? Coraline Baxter was determined to make a difference in her world. She was an active advocate of the Women's Suffrage Movement, one of a few women graduates of Puget Sound University, and a female accountant at her father's bank. Coraline was making a difference in the society she lived in, so when she was challenged to climb Mount Rainier to raise much needed funds for the Suffrage cause, she set her mind to do so, letting nothing or no one dissuade her. If you enjoy reading historical romance that includes glimpses of the beautiful nature surrounding Mount Rainier, and the challenges of climbing such a massive mountain in the 1800's, when doing so was a great feat for anyone, but especially for a woman in those times, then you shall surely enjoy this story. This story captivated me from the first page to the last. It is one of those reads that pulls you to keep reading to reach the end, yet when you do, you don't want it to stop. The characters became so real to me that they remain in my thoughts long after I reached the end. Beautifully written, very inspiring, story. I was given a copy of this book by Revell, a division of Baker Book Company, in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and comments are my own.

3.5 stars "You'll find that I have plenty of stamina and determination .. . . But I can assure you that I have never been good at obeying. You'll simply have to accustom yourself to the fact." Determination rolled off the lovely Coraline Baxter like waves upon a seashore, or perhaps a better comparison would be . . . . like a waterfall down a canyon. She had certainly made up her mind to represent womanhood in general by climbing Mount Rainier (or Tacoma as some would call it), reaching its summit, and thereby declaring a victory for the women's suffrage movement. But there was another less public reason, escaping matrimony. How in the world had Nathan Hardee gotten himself mixed up in a situation like this? Such an easy and enjoyable story to read; even if, and especially when, the characters' exploits hit rocky, icy, stumbling blocks, for the readers' steady pace isn't deterred in the least. Watching Cora and Nathan re-calibrate their life callings was most certainly a "view most glorious". "Cora Baxter isn't a mineral claim . .. . . She has a future and plans of her own." "And that's good, . . . She'll encourage you to have plans too, push you forward, so you can become the man you were meant to be." I received a copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions stated above are entirely my own. 1 like

It’s been too long since I’ve read a Regina Scott book! Brimming with historical tidbits, lovable characters, witty and humorous dialogue, this well-written book with an engaging plot should be on every historical fiction lover’s must-read list. I loved Cora’s independent spirit and determination. Nathan’s backstory and his emergence as a new man with faith tugged at the heartstrings and made him so real and swoony. I felt like I was on the mountain with them as they climbed - and the journey indeed was most glorious. It’s book 3 in the series but can totally be read as a stand alone. I received the book from publisher and via NetGalley and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are solely my own.

This is the 3rd book in the American Wonders Series. But not to worry, it is a stand-alone book with new characters than the previous books. It was a nice ending to the series and I have really enjoyed the series which takes you to interesting and captivating places that many, including myself have not yet been able to enjoy personally. Cora has a definite goal and is a strong woman who wants to make an impact on the Women's Suffrage of this time period. If a woman can climb a mountain, she can surely vote! As she takes on the climb of Mt. Rainier, there are many challengers that would be difficult for even the most experienced climber, but she doesn't give up. The historical fiction book which takes place in 1893, has Christian values and is a sweet and enjoyable read. There are challenges to overcome, both personal and physical. It has an adventurous theme, which I really enjoy. The characters are enjoyable and I especially liked Cora's stepfather as he continues to support her in her endeavors. I received a complimentary book from the publisher. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

An Epic and Exciting Journey through the mountains that you will not soon forget! Ms. Scott delivers an excellent story of romance, adventure and danger in the wilderness, with strong, deep and compelling characters that will make you rethink about what is important in life! Coraline Baxter is a modern woman for the late nineteenth century. She has a college degree, works at her stepfather’s bank, and is a leader in the suffrage movement for the women’s vote. But her mother, who knows what it is to be left penniless, wishes nothing else for her daughter but to marry a wealthy high society man, regardless of her daughter’s feelings or opinion in the matter. She is to marry Cash Kincaid, a man she despises and would never freely marry. But when her local suffragette group asks her to climb Mount Rainier, to show men that woman can also do things that are thought impossible for women, she jumps at the chance. Especially when her mother accepts the challenge that she will not have to marry Mr. Kincaid if she is successful in reaching the summit. But Cora has no climbing experience, nor her stepfather, who wants to accompany her. When they hear about the best and most experienced mountain guide, Mr. Nathan Hardee, Cora is sure he’ll be happy to help them for a generous sum. But Nathan rejects their offer, thinking it too risky to take an apparently fragile woman to the top of the mountain. But when he discovers that Cora is bound to marry Cash Kincaid if she fails to reach the top of the mountain, he changes his mind. He is the man who stole from his father, left them indebted and ruined his family. He is the reason he left high society and came to this small town and bought his land near the mountains, isolated, trying to find purpose distancing himself from a society that is all façade, lies and show, but knows nothing about the real value of every person, regardless their status, and even about the beauty and glory of nature. But is it the right choice to take Cora and her stepfather to the summit, or is he risking everything in this mission, not only his livelihood, but his heart? As they travel among the wilderness and reach higher into the mountains, Nathan discovers that Cora is not like most women, she is not only beautiful, but she is a woman of true character, she is determined, she is kind and hardworking, there is no bluff about her, she really wants to make a difference in women’s lives. And Cora discovers that Nathan is a man with no fake pretenses, underneath his cool demeanor hides a vulnerable and grieving heart, he is humble, he is kind, and he is a man of faith that inspires her to turn her heart to her Creator. This was a wonderful book! The setting couldn’t be more beautiful, traveling upside the mountain, with a “glorious” view, and Ms. Scott makes everything so alive with her vivid descriptions. There’s everything I love in a book: sweet romance, adventure and some danger, and a faith inspired message that uplifts you and makes you turn to God with a grateful heart. A delightful journey with very relatable characters that will take you along in their trials and dreams. I was rooting for them and their chance at a Happily Ever After until the last page! And even the secondary characters are endearing: I especially loved Waldo, and Cora’s stepfather. The villain was a true villain, I have to say. But it added intrigue to the story. I highly recommend this book! It’s the third book in the American Wonders Series, but it can perfectly be read as a standalone. This is a wonderful series, truly!

This is the third book in the American Wonders Collection series. The main female character, Coraline Baxter, is a suffragette which I find very interesting. I thought it was a very intriguing concept that to garner attention and support for the local suffragette movement, Cora is going to climb a mountain. She is also hoping to not have to marry her mother’s choice for her. The other main character, Nathan Hardee, is also very intriguing. He has a sad but interesting back story. I also like that he does not try to be someone he is not to please people. He is going to be guiding Coraline up a mountain. This novel also has several really good supporting characters. Overall, I would definitely recommend this book. Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in order to give an honest review.