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Book Review & Giveaway: The Wives of Henry Oades by Johanna Moran
March 2nd, 2010
The Wives of Henry Oades is the debut novel of Johanna Moran and what a wonderful weaving of fact and fiction in this terrific novel! I will say right off that I loved this novel and it will be one of my favorites of this year. I found I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough in this book as the drama of the Oades family unfolded.
The story begins with Henry and Margaret, along with their children, travelling to New Zealand as Henry has gotten a bank position there. Margaret really doesn’t want to go because it means leaving family and friends but it’s only supposed to be for two years so she will follow her husband and remain a family. The voyage over is quite harrowing at times and that doesn’t help the situation not to mention that New Zealand is a bit of a surprise to Margaret in terms of living conditions that she’s not quite used to.
Then one evening after having been in New Zealand a while, the native Maori tribe, looking for revenge for one of their own that had been killed, kidnap Margaret and her children. Henry is devastated and completely beside himself with grief. He sets out to find them immediately only to end up injured himself and unable to carry on. By the time he is well enough to be on his own again, his family is presumed dead. At first Henry just can’t believe it but eventually he comes to feel that everyone is probably right and he leaves New Zealand for California.
In California, Henry works hard as a dairy man; hard enough that the man who owns the dairy farm leaves it to Henry when he passes on. On an evening in town a fire breaks out and Henry ends up taking care of a very pregnant woman who had been in the house that had been on fire. Her name is Nancy and she ends up losing her husband and later marries Henry. I think Henry felt a bond with Nancy as they both had lost the loves of their lives and that’s why in the beginning I think he wanted to marry her. However, later this turned to love for them both.
So Henry is happily living his life until the day that Margaret and the children, who escaped the Maori, show up on his doorstep. Naturally he is stunned as is his new wife Nancy. Margaret, who has spent the last six years yearning for her husband and telling her children about him at every chance, is just as stunned. She never imagined that her Henry would remarry. They all try to make the best of the situation but it doesn’t last long as sooner, rather than later, they are indicted for bigamy.
Johanna Moran writes beautifully and draws you into her characters lives so deeply that you can’t help but feel for all of them. Nancy, the new wife, is such a sweet woman trying to make the best of things while you know she’s breaking on the inside and then there’s Margaret who you can’t help but feel bad for as she’s had such a hard time of it only to find she’s lost her husband as well. Then there’s the kids who thankfully everyone tries to do the best for but how odd for them to be drawn into this situation as well. Henry I also sympathized with – what could he do – he loved Nancy now but he was too good a man to shirk his responsibilities to his first family.
This novel I think, above all else, is a book about the bond that women can forge together when they need to. Nancy didn’t give up on trying to include Margaret in the family and eventually Margaret warmed up to her and they became friends. Above all else these woman held their children and family in the highest regard and this in itself brought them together. I really can’t pick a side with these women. I felt for them both because they were both good woman. If one, at least, had been mean spirited it would have been easy to pick but that wasn’t the case. I think if you’re looking for a book club pick The Wives of Henry Oades would make a fantastic pick! There is just so much to discuss and you can be guaranteed on a lot of opinions when it comes to a case such as the one portrayed in this novel.
I read The Wives of Henry Oades by Johanna Moran for her book tour with TLC Book Tours and again will say how much I enjoyed it and look forward to reading more of Johanna Moran’s books in the future. Make sure to visit Johanna Moran’s website to find out more about the story. There is also an interview and reading guide to check out as well. Other stops on the tour for The Wives of Henry Oades can be found here. You can purchase The Wives of Henry Oades here in the US and here in Canada.
My review copy of The Wives of Henry Oades by Johanna Moran courtesy of Random House for the TLC Blog Tour
GIVEAWAY DETAILS
Courtesy of the publisher Random House I have one copy of The Wives of Henry Oades by Johanna Moran to share with my readers. To enter…
- For 1 entry leave me a comment with a way to contact you.
- For 2 entries blog or tweet this giveaway and spread the word.
The giveaway is open to US & Canadian residents only (no PO boxes) as the publisher will be sending the book directly to the winner. I will draw for the winner on Saturday March 20, 2010. Good luck to you all!
Filed under 2010 ARC Challenge, 2010 Book Reviews, 2010 Historical Fiction, 2010-100+ Challenge | Comments (104)
I have been following all of the reviews for this book, and I definitely want to read it! Thanks for the opportunity!
bookingmama(at)gmail(dot)com
For a debut novel, I have heard good things about it already! Thanks for the chance to win!
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com
count me in! Like Julie, I've been following the reviews trying to make a decision on this one, and your notes just nudged it over. Thanks!
readbabbette (at) yahoo (dot) com
Sounds like a great read. Please include me. Thanks for the chance.
dlodden at frontiernet dot net
Thanks for the lovely review, Dar.
Johanna
I love the premise of this book.
pk4290@comcast.net
Love & Hugs,
Pam
This book looks great. Thanks!
Jase
vslavetopassionv(at)aol(dot)com
This book has been on my reading list for a while. I'd love to have a copy. Thanks.
cdirks1@sbcglobal.net
Oooh, you make it sound great. I want it!
fourkidsrgreat(at)gmail.com
I tweeted here : http://twitter.com/suburbsanity
fourkidsrgreat(at)gmail.com
I have been hearing good things about this book. I would love to win it. Thanks for the chance.
lizzi0915 at aol dot com
This sounds like one that I would enjoy so please enter me Dar!
joannelong74 AT gmail DOT com
I've been hearing about this book. Sounds good. Please enter me.
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net
I just saw this book walking through the bookstore at school and thought it looked good. Of course you know I've been following for a while now. Lol.
hersilentmusings@yahoo.com
I've seen some good reviews of this book and would like to be included.
seknobloch(at)gmail(dot)com
I've read several reviews/comments about this book, and each one has intrigued me. What an impossible dilemma for a family to face! Thanks for the giveaway.
lcbrower40(at)gmail(dot)com
Dar, I enjoyed your review. I have to say that this book does look very good. The story is a bit different and with all of the books out there these days, you tend to go for the ones that stand out.
I would love to win this one. Oh, and I hope you are doing well. It's been awhile since I stopped by but my computer at home is in for repair so I am limited to work breaks and the like for blog reading.
please enter me and I will tweet this offer….thanks, sounds like a good book…lassouth at medot com
Wow! This sounds like a wonderful story. I've always been fascinated with New Zealand and the Maori.
jgbeads(at)gmail(dot)com
This book intrigues me. I'd love to win a copy (it's already on my wishlist).
Tweeted: http://twitter.com/afewmorepages/status/9882309009
srfbluemama at gmail dot com
Thanks for featuring this wonderful book. It sounds unique and intriguing. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com
Sounds like such a great read!
kpbarnett1941[at]aol[dot]com
Please enter me,
thank you
kaiminani at gmail dot com
I tweeted
http://twitter.com/BrokenTeepee/status/9884502677
+2
need some winter reading,,thx for the contest,,
thehighflyer3(at)hotmail(dot)com
I have read some good reviews on this one…would like to win
ykatrina at hotmail dot com
Wow, one of your favorites of the year?? For a girl who reads as much as you do, that is VERY high praise! Great review- your enthusiasm for the book is just bubbling over. I'm so happy you enjoyed it.
Thanks so much for all the time you invested in reading and reviewing The Wives of Henry Oades. It is greatly appreciated!
No need to enter me in this giveaway, as I have just finished this book. It was truly a great read and I found it really hard to put down! Glad to hear it was a favorite with you as well!
I just saw this in the bookstore and put it on my wishlist — I'd love to win this!
teabird17 ATyahooDOTcom
Ooh, I'd love to get my hands on this one! Thanks for the giveaway.
fitz12383(at)hotmail(dot)com
I tweeted:
http://twitter.com/bookmonstrosity/status/9894624829
fitz12383(at)hotmail(dot)com
This is a much desired book. Please count me in.
christinezeg(at)gmail(dot)com
I also tweeted:
http://twitter.com/booktumbling/status/9896226449
I'd like to read this one. Thanks for the giveaway.
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com
Faves of the year huh?? Well, then I must read it!! but if I won it that would be great!
stacijoreads@gmail.com
this sounds like a great read thanks for the giveaway minsthins at optonline dot net
Thanks for the giveaway!
Rachelhwallen@gmail.com
I'd really love to read this book. The reviews are great.
forwhlz at gmail dot com
I have this book written down on my list of to-reads.
mamie316(at)sbcglobal(dot)net
justpeachy36@yahoo.com
Please enter me in the giveaway.
Great review, Dar! I've heard nothing but raves about this book! I'm glad you enjoyed it!
This sounds amazing!
misusedinnocence@aol.com
Great review. It really drew me in to the story. Please enter me.
I am a follower,
mlawson17 at hotmail dot com
Sounds good, count me in! tWarner419@aol.com
Looks like a great read…Count me in please!!!
mitzihinkey at sbcglobal dot net
Sounds good! Please enter me!
rhoneygtn at yahoo dot com
Thanks for the giveaway. There have
been such a lot of good reviews on this book. Please count me in.
mystica123athotmaildotcom
Interesting how the name is similar to (Olive) Oatman!
Jennifer, jennem22 at yahoo dot com
What a neat sounding book. Thanks for the chance
jason(at)allworldautomotive(dot)com
Tweeted
http://twitter.com/parkerozgood/status/9935064918
jason(at)allworldautomotive(dot)com
This doe sound like a book I'd love to curl up with
pksanddancer(at)yahoo(dot)com
I've been hearing such good things about this one. Thanks for the giveaway.
litandlifeATgmailDOTcom
I'd love a chance to win. Thanks for the giveaway.
libneas[at]aol[dot]com
Please count me in, sounds like a good read!
delilah0180(at)yahoo(dot)com
Sounds great!! Thanks for the chance to win!!
areallibrarian[at]gmial[dot]com
The review of this book makes me want to read it at once. Thank you for hosting this giveaway. sharonaquilino at hotmail dot com
I would love to read this book.
choateorama(at)gmail(dot)com
I'm just about to start this for my tour date next week. I'm really excited!
Sounds like a great book. Thanks for the giveaway.
eswright18 at gmail dot com
This book really intrigues me – I wonder how I would react in the same situation. Please enter me. milou2ster(at)gmail.com
I love historical fiction and I think this looks so great. Thank you for the giveaway.
s.mickelson at gmail dot com
You've sold me on this book! I was waiting to hear the problem with at least one of the wives. Sticky situation, especially since they're both likable.
Thanks for the giveaway!
–Anna
Diary of an Eccentric
diaryofaneccentric at hotmail dot com
I blogged about the contest here.
joannelong74 AT gmail DOT com
What an interesting premise for a book! Very curious to read it.
I have been seeing great reviews for this all over the place. Thanks for the giveaway.
I posted about this giveaway in my sidebar.
msjessicamae(at)gmail(dot)com
love to read
copperllama at yahoo dot com
1 tweet
http://twitter.com/Copperllama/status/10084959378
copperllama at yahoo dot com
2 tweet
http://twitter.com/Copperllama/status/10084959378
copperllama at yahoo dot com
please sign me up for giveaway
tiramisu392 (at) yahoo.com
This does sound good, Dar. Thank you for your thoughtful review. Please do enter me. Thanks.
literaryfeline@gmail.com
Please count me in, will love to read
this book…
paoroz@gmail.com
Sounds like an interesting book!
sliugarcia@gmail.com
I'd love a shot at this book. Please count me in. Thank you!
nfmgirl AT gmail DOT com
Blogged:
http://cerebralgirl.blogspot.com/2010/03/book-giveaways-in-blogworld-03-06-10.html
nfmgirl AT gmail DOT com
Thanks for the chance!
mannasweeps (at) gmail DOT com
Please enter me.
RJB
loki304[at]tds[dot]net
+1 I'd love to enter this giveaway. E-mail is wakeupangel at gmail dot com
+3 Tweeted here- http://twitter.com/baniclips/status/10192125065
I was trying to decide between this and Reliable Wife for my book group but now I am eager to read this one.
I'd love to enter! Thanks!
+2 I tweeted:
http://twitter.com/aikchien/status/10215917437
aikychien at yahoo dot com
Wow, this sounds fantastic!
please enter me, thanks
naidascrochet@yahoo.com
http://thebookworm07.blogspot.com/
Please enter me!
thanks
dcf_beth at verizon dot net
I follow
I have been hearing wonderful things about this book.
Please enter me in the contest
beachlover20855[AT]yahoo[DOT]com
It sounds interesting. ^_^
ihappydance(at)gmail(.)com
The reviews for this book have been fantastic – I'm really looking forward to reading this one!
I added it to my sidebar: http://thedmlibrary.blogspot.com
alannakurt at gmail dot com
Thanks!
Sounds like a good read—please enter me to win!
skkorman AT bellsouth DOT net
This one has caught my eye and I would love to read it. Please add my name to the drawing.
redladysreadingroomATgmailDOTcom
Would love to read this.
Thanks for the giveaway >^..^<
bloggyig at gmail dot com
This books sounds like a delightful debut novel! I am a follower of your blog.
Thanks, Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com
"Tweet!"
http://twitter.com/cmh512/status/10499783638.
Thanks very much!
Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com
Add me in I would love to read The Wives of Henry Oades your review is wonderful.
nancysoffice at gmail dot com
Congrats to Johanna on her book debut. I would love to be entered for a chance to win a copy.
Happy St. Patrick's Day.
Carol L.
Lucky4750@aol.com
It must be good when it's only March and you already know it'll make your "best of" list! I'd love a chance to win, thanks.
I follow and will post here.
wanda_waiting[@]hotmail[.]com
Please enter me in this giveaway!
saemmerson at yahoo dot com
Sarah E
I tweeted:
http://twitter.com/saemmerson/status/10724315693
saemmerson at yahoo dot com
Sarah E
Please count me in!
delilah0180(at)yahoo(dot)com
Looks like a great book! Please count me in. I am a follower
nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
Tweet! Tweet!
http://twitter.com/NancyeDavis/status/10755323183
nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
I'd like to enter. Thanks!
kristinemarie7 at gmail.com
I added the giveaway to my blog.
kristinemarie7 at gmail.com
Thanks for making me aware of some great books. I'd love to give this one a try.
wolfcarol451(at)gmail(dot)com
This is what you call better late than never. I would love a chance to win this great book.
sharon54220@gmail.com
This is what you call better late than never. I would love a chance to win this great book.
sharon54220@gmail.com
This is what you call better late than never. I would love a chance to win this great book.
sharon54220@gmail.com
I may be getting in just under the wire, but this book is one I really, really want to read! Thanks for the chance to win a copy!
geebee.reads AT gmail DOT com
Here's my tweet: http://twitter.com/ASeaOfBooks/status/10802161856
geebee.reads AT gmail DOT com
Please enter me in this giveaway!
seizethebookblog(at)gmil(dot)com