I was drawn into this historical novel from the first page. Mary, an immigrant from Ireland and a pioneer settler in Nebraska, is abandoned by her husband. Broken by the loss of his heard, and having turned to drink to ease his worries, he leaves her in a small cabin prairie, with their 5-year old son and no resources for survival. Determined to save her son, Mary cobbles together a way to exist in the nearest town they can get to. This is one of those books that make you feel guilty for having easy access to food, medical care, even warmth. Mary is a strong and finely detailed character---a pleasure to read about. I really enjoyed this novel, and was happy to see that in the acknowledgements the author shares a bit about the origin of the story and the history of the town where Mary and her young son find refuge. The ending is a bit unsatisfying---not the way the reader wants it to go, but believable just the same---but it does leave a big question about what happened to Ezekiel. Would have loved it more if this question was wrapped up a bit. Thank you NetGalley and publishers for providing a digital ARC for review.

A wonderful novel that is reminiscent of Willa Cather and even Laura Ingalls Wilder. Beautiful and haunting descriptions of the difficulty of life on the Nebraskan prairie in the late 1800's. Mary's husband is suddenly gone and she's solely responsible for her and her 5 yr old son as winter rapidly approaches. Mary is a survivor, a wonderfully strong woman who's forced to find strength she didn't realize she had.

Mary Harrington is a pioneer woman abandoned by her husband and left to fend for herself and young son. The novel has great descriptions of the terrain, era, and Mary's struggle as a woman alone in that era.

Abandoned by her husband in the Nebraskan wilderness, Mary takes her son into a nearby town. Willing to work for food, Mary slowly finds a way to survive the harsh circumstances. This was a well written and engaging book. Mary was an interesting and dynamic character. Overall, well worth picking up.

4 stars
The Seasons of Doubt is the first book in a new historical fiction series by Jeannie Burt. I was immediately hooked from page one! I loved the Nebraska prairie and small town setting. I instantly connected with Mary and her struggles to raise her small son after being abandoned by her husband. I had to keep reminding myself this was a fiction book as Ms. Burt crafted characters who were so utterly real and believable right down to the town gossips, the local house of “ill repute” and the many friends Mary makes throughout her life in Cozad, Nebraska.

I am new to the historical fiction genre but I will most definitely be reading more. I was fascinated by the differences in how a woman whose husband leaves her was treated in the late 1870’s and ‘80’s compared to how she would be treated in 2018. But Mary still managed to make a life for her and her son, her pluck and determination are likely very demonstrative of how many survived the struggles of homesteading and earning a living against all odds. I highly recommend this book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Set during the mid 19th century, The Seasons of Doubt highlights the numerous uncertainties and hardships of the the early American pioneers. Based on historical fact, the novel examines one man’s tenuous attempts at establishing a town on the prairies in Nebraska alongside the influx of immigrants hoping to secure a better future for themselves and their families. A thoroughly good read!

The Seasons of Doubt by Jeannie Burt draws you into the life of Mary and the trails and tribulations of her pioneering life..
I found myself cheering for her and her son throughout the story during her struggles to support themselves after her husband ran off.
I love story's that feature strong women. This book, to me, is exceptionally inspiring.
Definitely worthy of all five stars.