Little Miss of Darke County - by Gary M Krebs (Paperback)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

Based on the true story of an American icon

Darke County, Ohio, 1866. Young Phoebe Ann Moses lives a life of peace and harmony on a farm with her Quaker family and has dreams of living a hunter's life in the woods.

When Jacob Moses, the beloved patriarch, tragically dies, Phoebe's life is sent into a tailspin. The family suffers in squalor as they move from place to place, until Phoebe is sent to live in the Infirmary, where the orphans taunt and bully her. Desperate to start over, she volunteers to live in a secluded cabin in the woods with a couple, Mr. and Mrs. Wolf, to help them raise their baby.

Phoebe finds she is in grave danger: She becomes a prisoner and slave to the couple, whom she dubs "the Wolves." Will she ever escape and rejoin her family?

This gripping tale is the origins story of one of America's greatest heroes: renowned sharpshooter and performer Annie Oakley. It serves as a testament to the strength and guile of the 19th-century female human spirit and is more relevant today than ever.

Review Quotes

Covering the period 1865 - 1872, this novel explores the early years of Phoebe Anne Moses and her transformation into Annie Oakley, a legendary figure of 19th century America....

This is a thoroughly researched book, full of telling detail clearly defining the time and place. Each scene is crafted to provide a vivid picture and a sense of immediacy. Krebs is clearly passionate about his subject. He presents a fictionalized tale of a young girl facing vast difficulties and coming through them to become one of the most loved-and most powerful-female pioneers whose name is synonymous with the American West.

--Historical Novel Society

The author had me hooked right from the start. He wove the tale in the third person particularly focusing on Annie's point of view. The author skillfully managed to transfer emotion and establish a personal connection between Annie and the reader. The descriptions of the people and culture of the time were excellent. The author managed to transport me into Annie's world and I could not put the book down.

I enjoyed the strength and resilience of Annie. She had a different mindset for the people of her time. I loved that even from a very young age; she would not accept being prevented from pursuing an activity based on her gender. It was a great experience to go through the journey of Phoebe Annie Moses transforming into Annie Oakley.

It has been a while since a work of fiction intrigued me this much. It probably helped that it was based on a true historical figure. The strength of Annie Oakley shone out and captured my heart. I found myself hurting with her and hoping that she avoids all the danger that came her way. Fans of historical fiction will enjoy this story and anyone who enjoys strong female characters. Due to the sensitive nature of child abuse, the story may not be suitable for children. This book deserves 4 out of 4 stars.

--OnlineBookClub