Official Review: Maddie's Chronicle by Daniel O Stuhlman

[kdstrack]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Maddie's Chronicle" by Daniel O Stuhlman.]

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3 out of 4 stars

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Maddie’s Chronicle by Daniel O. Stuhlman is a novel for young adults. The story chronicles the life of Maddie, as she travels from Boston to settle in California. She matures, physically and spiritually, as she makes new friends and strives to solve the mystery of an ancient symbol.

Maddie became an orphan when Indians killed her parents. Her aunt and uncle raised her. They moved to California to pursue a job opportunity. They decided to travel by land, across Mexico. On this trip Maddie uses her drawing ability, to capture on paper, several of the unique things she observes. Later, she is able to incorporate some of these sketches into patterns for weaving projects. One drawing, in particular, is a strange symbol that she observed in several different spots. This symbol disturbs some people and motivates Maddie to discover its significance.

The story line also follows Maddie’s growth from a young girl to a woman. Her impulsive behavior and foolish decisions slowly shift to a loving and thoughtful attitude towards others. Several relationships and difficult experiences test her faith in God and in others.

The setting of the story is California, in the 1800s, as it transitions from a nation to a state. The descriptions of the primitive conditions are excellent. There are numerous and diverse groups that populate the new state. Trappers, Mormons, vaqueros, and sailors contribute to the growth of the region. The novel includes the history of the Donner Party. We learn about their disastrous decision to follow an apparent shortcut through the Sierra Pass. This section contains some strong, but historically accurate, descriptions.

I appreciated the character development. Maddie changes from an impulsive adolescent to a caring and thoughtful woman. Her faith and devotion are an example to others. I also thought the dialogues were real and believable.

I enjoyed the love story that emerges when Maddie finds love. The romance is very sweet without providing explicit details. The description of their honeymoon concentrates on the scenery of undeveloped areas of California. I truly appreciated the author’s efforts to keep the romance wholesome.

I rate this book 3 out of 4 stars. The historical facts and the story of Maddie blend into a beautiful and enjoyable story. Nevertheless, the book needs further editing. The spelling and formatting errors are too numerous to overlook.

This book is a well-written novel for readers who enjoy American history and romance. It is appropriate for young readers as there are no sex scenes, and only an occasional use of strong language. All readers will enjoy the beautiful romance as they learn about the history of the founding of the West.

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Maddie's Chronicle
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Like kdstrack's review? Post a comment saying so!

[stacie k]

Historical fiction provides a fun way to learn about history. I think I’d really enjoy this one. Thanks for the detailed review!

[Nimat87]

A fun way to learn about American history, or any form of historical occurrence at all, is a welcome idea. I also appreciate the fact that the book is devoid of explicit scenes, while still addressing romance. Thanks for the review.

[gen_g]

This looks like a well-written book, but it is a pity about the errors. Thanks for the detailed review!

[Nmadinachi Egwim]

This promises to offer a refreshing and educative glimpe into the 1800's, and a read like that is not often found around. Good job!

[kdstrack]

Historical fiction provides a fun way to learn about history. I think I’d really enjoy this one. Thanks for the detailed review!

There is a lot of history in this novel. Hope you enjoy it, too!

[kdstrack]

A fun way to learn about American history, or any form of historical occurrence at all, is a welcome idea. I also appreciate the fact that the book is devoid of explicit scenes, while still addressing romance. Thanks for the review.

This book has a nice mix of history and romance. I appreciated the author's efforts to keep the book wholesome.

[kdstrack]

This looks like a well-written book, but it is a pity about the errors. Thanks for the detailed review!

The errors were a drawback. I really wanted to give this book a 4.

[kdstrack]

This promises to offer a refreshing and educative glimpe into the 1800's, and a read like that is not often found around. Good job!

I like books that get me searching and reading outside of the novel. This book had me online reading more about several historical facts! So, yes, it was fun to read and educational at the same time!

[Samantha Simoneau]

I love clean historical romances and I really appreciate how descriptive and believable this one apparently is. The character development sounds satisfying, too. I want to read this one. Thanks for the recommendation!

[Victory11]

It is a learning experience how a little girl inspite of the bad experience remain her positive outook in life. I am interested to read this book . More power to the author . Write more good books for us to enjoy. Thanks.

[kdstrack]

I love clean historical romances and I really appreciate how descriptive and believable this one apparently is. The character development sounds satisfying, too. I want to read this one. Thanks for the recommendation!

That was a big plus for me, too. Hope you enjoy it!

[kdstrack]

It is a learning experience how a little girl inspite of the bad experience remain her positive outook in life. I am interested to read this book . More power to the author . Write more good books for us to enjoy. Thanks.

The character development of Maddie is well done. Hope you enjoy the book!

[CommMayo]

Sounds like a great way to learn about a formative time in American history. I always seem to absorb more facts when I have some emotional investment in the characters.

[cpru68]

Historical fiction is always good because I learn facts while reading an enjoyable story. And from your review, it sounds like the author did a great job putting this one together. I like the time period it is set in and the development of California as a background. Nice twist with the main character drawing a symbol to add intrigue. Very nicely done review. It has piqued my interest in this one.