Official Review: GOLD DIGGER, The Remarkable Baby Doe Tabor

Please use this forum to discuss historical fiction books. Common definitions define historical fiction as novels written at least 25-50 years after the book's setting.
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María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda
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Re: Official Review: GOLD DIGGER, The Remarkable Baby Doe Tabor

Post by María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda »

I rarely go for Westerns but such a strong female character seems fascinating and inspiring.
Good review!
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Post by Jack King »

Jsovermyer wrote: 21 Oct 2019, 15:55 [Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "GOLD DIGGER, The Remarkable Baby Doe Tabor" by Rebecca Rosenberg.]
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4 out of 4 stars
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Elizabeth McCourt agreed to marry a rich boy, Harvey Doe, and follow him from Oshkosh, Wisconsin, to Central City, Colorado, in 1878. Harvey was to manage his father’s gold mine and Elizabeth hoped to send money home to her family who had lost their home, her father’s haberdashery, and the theater they managed in the Great Oshkosh fire a few years earlier. However, Harvey wasn’t interested in working, so Elizabeth donned men’s work clothes and went to the mine herself. Known for her beauty and small stature, she gained the nickname of Baby Doe. When Harvey abandoned her and went back to his mother, she was alone, pregnant, with little food or heat and ended up losing her baby.

I had heard of Baby Doe and the Matchless Mine as a wild west legend. I didn’t realize she was a real person. After reading Gold Digger: The Remarkable Baby Doe Tabor, by Rebecca Rosenberg, I have a profound respect for this strong and self-sufficient woman. When Harvey didn’t return for her, and she later caught him going into a whorehouse, she divorced him. This was not acceptable in her time. She became a social pariah, but stood her ground and wouldn’t take him back.

This book is based on a true story, but the author added fictionalized dialogue to make the story flow and the characters come alive. Rebecca Rosenberg did extensive research of Baby Doe and based many of the scenes depicted from Baby’s own diary entries. She portrayed Baby as a kindhearted, brave and hardworking woman. She continued to send most of the money she made to her family even though they disowned her after the divorce.

It was interesting to me to see how few rights women had in the 1800s. A woman wasn’t supposed to work. She was expected to keep the home, attend social functions and do everything her husband asked. A man could be unfaithful, and the woman was supposed to just accept it. She had no rights and no respect. Baby Doe was a rebel in her time. She fought for her own rights and financial security.

Each chapter of the book starts with the location, month and year that the action takes place. This makes it easier to follow the events and to check their authenticity. A portrait of Baby Doe also graces the cover of the book. After reading this wonderful book, I wanted to know more about this amazing woman. All additional references found matched the occurrences in the book perfectly. The author strived to make this an actual and truthful portrayal.

I really enjoyed this story. People who like historical fiction will love this one. It shows the life of miners during the gold rush era. I recommend this book to people who like westerns, or who want to see what life was really like during that time. It also has a touch of romance for readers who like a beautiful love story. There are only mild profanity and no graphic sexual scenes. Since this is based on actual events, some of the scenes may be too intense for young readers. I found no grammatical or spelling errors and believe this book has been professionally edited. I only have the highest praise for this story. Because of this, I am rating Gold Digger: The Remarkable Baby Doe Tabor with 4 out of 4 stars. I recommend it and think you will not be disappointed.

******
GOLD DIGGER, The Remarkable Baby Doe Tabor
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Having visited Colorado and seen some of the gold mines that were built during this time period, it would have taken great bravery to even attempt what she did.
We've longed to see the roses, but never felt the thorns
And bought our pretty crowns, but never paid the price
Find me in the river, find me there
Find me on my knees with my soul laid bare
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Post by Jorge Leon Salazar »

I had never heard of Baby Doe. She seems to have been a strong and self-sufficient woman. Given the time in which she lived, she was a pioneer in the fight for women's rights. In addition, The life of the miners during the time of the gold rush is an attractive topic. Sounds interesting.
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Post by Kendal Low »

As a huge history fan, I really think Baby Doe's story is something I'd really enjoy. I'd love to give it a try. Thanks for the great review!
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Post by Ferdinand_Otieno »

This is an inspirational historical fiction novel highlighting the old West, love, betrayal, entrepreneurship, motherhood, family, and a unique protagonist. The book is temporarily free on Amazon Kindle and has a well-written OnlineBookClub review. Congrats on the BOTD selection.
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Post by Hubre De Klerk »

This review is excellently written and I can't wait to read this book. I can't even imagine having absolutely no rights as a woman and that men could basically do what they wanted and when they wanted, while the women must just sit back and keep the house running. I think this book is inspirational and motivating, and it proves that you can achieve your goals and dreams through hard work on your own, even if everyone is against you. Well done to the author on the memorable book and for #BOTD!
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Post by Hansome Menekara »

I am intrigued by stories of strong women. The book is getting on my list. Great review.
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Post by NetMassimo »

Historical fiction based on a wild west legend in turn based on a true story. Well, that's interesting already and the story is about a woman who was a pioneer in more than one sense. Thank you for your great review!
Ciao :)
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Post by Hansome Menekara »

Hubre De Klerk wrote: 28 Feb 2023, 09:08 This review is excellently written and I can't wait to read this book. I can't even imagine having absolutely no rights as a woman and that men could basically do what they wanted and when they wanted, while the women must just sit back and keep the house running. I think this book is inspirational and motivating, and it proves that you can achieve your goals and dreams through hard work on your own, even if everyone is against you. Well done to the author on the memorable book and for #BOTD!
I agree with you. It is truly inspiring to see women get up and rule
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Post by Sanju Lali »

A true story based interestinghistorical fiction book "GOLD DIGGER, The Remarkable Baby Doe Tabor" by Rebecca Rosenberg, which follows Elizabeth McCourt and her husband, Harvey Doe, who manages his gold mine. This book should be a good entertainer.
life is only knowing the unknown, we can do this by reading books easily- Online book club is a great place for this. This is what I believe.
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Post by Vincehealler »

The story is based on a real event, and I like the efforts of the author in fictionalising the real event that happened without removing the authentic details. I love the storyline and the self-sufficient attitude that Elizabeth displayed. Thank you for your honest review.
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Post by Laura Ungureanu »

Elizabeth, later known as Baby Doe, is such an inspirational woman. Independent and powerful, which make for excellent qualities in a main character. Congrats on BOTD!
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Post by Sou Hi »

Congrats on BOTD. I have never heard about Baby Doe, so hopefully, this book will shed light on her experiences as a strong-willed woman in the 1800s.
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Post by Cynthia Christabel Okolobi »

Baby Doe is a strong woman who rose up against inequality. The fact that she kept sending money to her family even after they disowned her shows that she is empathetic and selfless. It is very refreshing to see stories of events during the 19th century.
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Post by Hazel Arnaiz »

The book tells the story of a woman who is ahead of her time. Her boldness to deviate from the norm is inspiring. In light of the upcoming International Women's Day, being chosen as the Book of the Day is timely. Congratulations!
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