Aundy

Pendleton Petticoats, Volume 1

By: Shanna Hatfield

Narrated by: Don Sobczak

Desperate to better her situation, Aundy Thorsen agrees to leave behind her life in Chicago to fulfill a farmer's request for a mail-order bride in Pendleton, Oregon.

When a tragic accident leaves her a widow soon after becoming a wife, Aundy takes on the challenge of learning how to manage a farm, even if it means her stubborn determination to succeed upsets a few of the neighbors.

Born and raised on the family ranch, Garrett Nash loves life in the bustling community of Pendleton in 1899. When his neighbor passes away and leaves behind a plucky widow, Garrett takes on the role of her protector and guardian. His admiration for her tenacious spirit soon turns to something more. He just needs to convince the strong-willed Aundy to give love another try.

©2013 Shanna Hatfield (P)2013 Shanna Hatfield

Aundy: Pendleton Petticoats, Volume 1

Incredible story from beginning to end. I love compassionate, strong, capable Aundy.
I am only sad that a dog had to die in the story. A whole town could die and it wouldn't bother me but a dog dies and I am sobbing hysterically.

I am looking forward to more stories by this author!!!

Farm, Family, Friends . . . 1899 Oregon

Leaving her city life in Chicago behind and moving to Oregon to marry farmer, Erik Erickson, Aundy hoped she wasn't making a mistake . . . the letters they had exchanged for several months before her journey west as a mail order bride had convinced her that he was a sincere, hard working man . . . and that they could form a good partnership, even if the marriage never included true love . . . so this was the beginning of the story of Aundy and how she came to Oregon . . . this book is a clean, but honest look at life in the western frontier . . . including the hardships of farming, the danger of greed and the fellowship and bonding between neighbors . . . as Aundy took on the task of learning how to work the land and became friends with the farm hands, some in the community didn't like a woman taking an active role in managing the property . . . not to be deterred, Aundy goes to town and gets herself a side arm . . . one of my favorite parts of the book is when Aundy meets the ailing Li Hong, a Chinese man, who is badly beaten and takes him in . . . he eventually becomes the cook for the farm hands . . . and the first thing that pops into my mind is Hop Sing, the Chinese cook for the Ponderosa on the old TV series, Bonanza . . . that's Aundy, kind, sweet . . . but as tough as nails . . . and as straight as an arrow . . . she didn't come to Oregon looking for love . . . but the good Lord just might have had another plan in mind . . .

Recommended

I am not usually fond of American historical stories. This was an exception. I enjoyed the characters, the plot and storyline kept me turning the pages, or in my case keep me listening. The narrator did a terrific job. The surprise at the end was a good one on the part of the author.

Nice story, weird reader

Would you listen to Aundy again? Why?

Probably not. Although I might read it again.

What did you like best about this story?

Characters were fun, developed.

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Don Sobczak?

I didn't mind a male reader but often he sounded like he had no idea what he was reading, no appropriate inflection, and horribly rushed at times. Also he said the title character's name wrong a lot. Andy, Audry, Audey...

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Sure, but telling would be spoilers.

Any additional comments?

Just needs new narration. Would like to have the other titles in the series available by another narrator.

great book

narrator talks too fast. Story was great but hard to keep up with fast narrative