Member Reviews
Regina Scott has written a compelling story, with complex characters whose motivating drive the storyline. Her descriptions add beauty and depth to the message of learning to see and rely on God's hand in all aspects of our lives. I enjoyed this book - it made me want to get outdoors and seek for views most glorious!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are completely my own.
A View Most Glorious is a very well written historical romance. Great plot and character dynamics and a beautiful setting. My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley and for my advance ebook. This is my unbiased review.
I had previously read A Distance Too Grand and couldn’t wait to get my hands on another book in the American Wonders Collection. A View Most Glorious did not disappoint. Not only was this a lovely romance, but it was filled with historical facts and information about hiking and societal rules in 1893.
The descriptions of the settings of this book were wonderful, from high society to the rugged wilderness, I could place myself there. Although I liked both Nathan and Cora, I think my favorite character was Winston. I could just perfectly imagine his mannerisms and the way he talked and looked. And Mrs. Underland’s ball, so funny! I caught myself laughing out loud a couple of times as Mimi and Cora interacted with several other ball attendees. Highly recommend!
Thank you to Revell and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
***ABSOLUTELY LOVED THE STORY AND ALL OF THE RICH HISTORY***
Tacoma, Washington 1893
This story had so much of what I love in this genre; a balanced dual point of view, historical notes, and little gems tucked along the way such as Alpenstock (German for Alp stick), the actor's paint as sunblock, the gain and then loss of women's voting rights in WA, the battle over the name Mt. Tacoma or Mt. Rainier, traveling with panes of glass in barrels of molasses {all of these had me saying to myself "Who knew?"} There was also a bit of danger with heroic moments, plenty of beautiful plant life, actual faith shared throughout with room for growth (also shared), and a sweet, naturally progressing, and clean romance. I also appreciated how the ending was resolved as I wondered how in the world they would make things work in their two very different worlds. The author shares some wonderful notes about growing up in the area at the end of the book. I highly recommend this story and the entire trilogy.
Quotable: "Thank You, Lord, for all this, for allowing me to see, to feel. It truly is a view most glorious."
Faith Moment: "Lord, help me be Your man. That's the only way to happiness for Cora."
Tea Moment: The silver tea service glinted on one of the walnut side tables, and an assortment of little cakes sat on the violet-patterned bone china her mother had had imported from England.
I was gifted an eBook via Netgalley the publisher and author in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own without compensation or further expectation.
((5 Stars))
((MY STARS)) 1= Did not like it, 2= It was ok, 3=Liked It, 4= Really liked it, 5=It was amazing
SERIES: AMERICAN WONDERS
A Distance Too Grand (Set in Grand Canyon), Nothing Short of Wondrous (Set in Yellowstone), A View Most Glorious (Set in Mt. Rainier)
ALL STORIES ARE INDIVIDUAL & NEED NOT BE READ TOGETHER OR IN ORDER
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Regina Scott delivers another beautiful description of our great nation at the end of the 19th century. A harrowing climb of Mt. Rainier, a beautiful love story, a truly evil villain, women’s suffrage, and a loving but annoyingly frustrating mother - a lot going on, but lovingly wound together.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
I found myself drawn into the natural beauties described in this book. This book was utterly breathtaking in its descriptions and in its story. Nathan and Cora's story was perfect.
I was transported back to a financial panic in the Pacific Northwest. It was a time that encompassed the manners of the past and all the hope for changes in the future. It was a time of women's suffrage when many were starting to doubt it would ever happen.
Cora had drive and she had spunk and she was not going to be forced into an undesirable marriage. Her Stepfather would help her in this as it was her mother pushing the marriage. She would use this determination to set out an agreement with her mother. She would climb Mount Rainier and if she failed, she would marry a man of her mother's choosing. With her freedom on the line she contracts with Nathan to take her up the mountain.
What follows is a story of courage, growth, forgiveness, and self-discovery. It is about two people finding out what home really means. It is moving past the past and finding all the best hope in the future. It is about building a relationship with God.
Regina Scott brings all of this and more into A View Most Glorious and transports the reader to the Mountain itself, watching the magic unfold. I felt like I was there, minus the snow and the cold. A masterpiece to be read again and again.
I received an early copy from the publisher and NetGalley and this is my honest review.
The third book in a series, this book can be read as a standalone. I haven't read all of the series but will have to go back and read the first book. I think it will appeal to those who like an easy to read book with character growth.
This book focuses on a character who is a strong female character. She is determined to reach her goals no matter what and is prepared to sacrifice for them. Of course, her mother doesn't really give her a choice! I enjoyed the ending of the book.
I received this in exchange for an honest review. I enjoyed this book and do recommend it to you as it is a good historical romance.
** “Thank you, Lord, for all of this, for allowing me to see, to feel. It truly is a view most glorious.” **
Regina Scott takes us up Washington’s Mount Rainier in “A View Most Glorious,” a story about freedom and fighting for what’s right.
When Cora Baxter, an accountant at her stepfather Winston’s bank, is asked to climb the formidable mountain to bring attention to women’s suffrage, she quickly agrees. It is a subject she strongly supports — and if she does the climb she won’t be forced into an unwanted marriage by her mother.
Cora and Winston hire Nathan Hardee, a man who once was part of their same society but now lives with the freedom of the land, and his mentor Waldo to guide them up the mountain. They soon develop more than just trust and respect for each other, knowing they will need to fight societal norms to grow their relationship.
“A View Most Glorious” is an inspirational tale that offers the suspense of the mountain as well as some heart-thumping romance. The author does a great job of developing very real and flawed characters that are also impelling and impressive.
The story also includes many great themes, like dealing with duty; relying on one another; finding a purpose, hope and peace; we always have reason to praise God; everyone has worth; staying true to oneself; we need to fight for what we believe in; we never have to doubt God; and anything is possible, especially with God.
Anyone who loves historical fiction, stories about women’s suffrage, or has a love for our national parks will enjoy this book. Fans of Karen Barnett’s “Vintage National Parks” series will also enjoy it.
Five stars out of five.
Revell provided this complimentary copy through NetGalley for my honest, unbiased review.
I did not realize that this book was the third in a series, because it does so well as a stand-alone. None of the books' characters seem to be repeated in the series, so the reader is not lost due to prior circumstances in the earlier novels.
Coraline Baxter is a suffragette who wants to make her mark on the world in a way that does not include being arm-candy. Her mother believes that standing is society for a woman is far more important than her brains. In fact, her mother believes that brains are a detriment to a woman, where Coraline believes that a woman has just as much intelligence as a man and can make sound decisions in business, politics, and life. She is head-strong and quite argumentative, but not necessarily in a bad way. Her suffragist friends entice her to climb Mt Rainier and show that women have just as much strength and ability as men do. In order for her to make the climb, her mother makes a deal with her--if Coraline is successful, she can continue to live her life on her own terms: choosing her own husband, working at her stepfather's bank, and working toward the women's rights to vote. If Coraline is not successful, she must submit to marrying a man of her mother's choosing. To fail is not something Coraline is willing to do. And her stepfather will do whatever he has to do to help her succeed, and that includes hiring Nathan Hardee to guide them up the mountain.
One thing that struck me in this book is the strength of Nathan's faith, the way he lived his faith in helping those around him, the way he showed his faith in how he did the job he was hired to do, and the very way he worshipped. It was more than just lip service to him, and it impacts others around him.
Regina Scott's handling of this novel and its incumbent quirks is nothing short of magical. There isn't a bad guy, so to speak, in this book, but there is one sleazy character who is the character readers will love to hate (every story needs one). The setting and the supporting cast of characters make this an extremely enjoyable read.
Once again, five stars, two thumbs up, and an alpenstock to aid your climb.
Revell Publishing and NetGalley.com provided the copy I read for this review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
This has been such a good series by Regina Scott! American Wonders is a very apt title for it also. Scott brings these glorious places to life with her descriptions and then makes them even better with the stories she creates around them. Very much recommended.
My thanks to Revell for a copy of this book via Net Galley. The opinion here is my own.
"A View Most Glorious" is the third book in Regina Scott's "American Wonders" series. In this book, Cora is a stubborn and spirited young lady who is fighting for women's rights. In order to prove that women are just as capable as men, she decides to climb the highest mountain nearby, Mount Rainier. Not able to go alone, her wealthy father hires mountain guide Nathan to assist her. During their treacherous journey, not only does her self-confidence grow, but so does her feelings for Nathan. However, can the two of them figure out how to combine their very different worlds?
I enjoyed this book, but wanted a little more romance. Overall, it was a good book and a nice conclusion to this trilogy. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
#aviewmostglorious #reginascott
Thanks to netgalley for letting me read this book. This was a grand adventure, full of love, adventure and pure grit. .
I quite enjoyed this story. I liked watching how the stubbornness in both Cora and Nathan was softened as they learned to respect each other and work together. Cora's stepfather Winston was a dear and Nathan's friend Waldo provided plenty of grumbling humor. Mount Rainier sounds like a beautiful place that I might have to visit some day!
Thanks to NetGalley and Revell for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest review!
“A View Most Glorious”, by Regina Scott, is a refreshing historical novel set in 1893 Tacoma, WA. The Panic of 1893 has set in, forcing many families into financial ruin. The story gives us a look at 19th century society exposing the good and bad. Coraline “Cora” Baxter’s family is well-to-do. She has a college education and works in her stepfather’s bank. Her mother wishes for her to marry a prominent gentleman and believes she has the perfect person in mind. Tensions persist between Cora and her mother as she knows this man’s true intentions. The story gives us an idea of what “proper society” in Victorian Washington state was possibly like and the difficulties a young woman with a will to succeed on her own must endure. Cora is determined to prove a woman does not need a man to be successful.
Nathan Hardee’s family lost their wealth in the financial crash. Ostracized by society, he opted to move to the country and live a simple life while guiding people to the summit of Mt. Rainier. With a lot of grit and determination, and the help of Nathan as her guide, Cora strives to reach the summit. Working together, Nathan and Cora learn to trust each other. Through quietly observing Nathan in his morning ritual of prayer, Cora comes to realize the importance of God in her life, as well.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and some of the history of Tacoma and surrounding area. The first woman to summit Mt. Rainier, Fay Fuller, was brought into the story which only encouraged me to read more about her. The strength and determination of women during the Victorian era was uplifting. This is part of Regina Scott’s American Wonders series. After reading “A View Most Glorious”, I look forward to reading the first two.
A big thank you goes out to Revell and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
What a great addition to the American Wonders series! This time, we are adventuring to Mount Rainier / Tacoma, exploring women's suffrage, and seeing the underbelly of Victorian era relationships. It is the Crash of 1893, and money is a problem for some families. A formerly well-to-do guide is hired to take Cora and her father up Mount Rainier on her quest to prove that women can do anything men can. Throw in a jaded would-be fiance, a well-meaning mother, and a colorful cast of supporting characters, and we get a glorious journey!
A very romantic high-stakes adventure that will pull you right in. My favorite of Regina Scott's American Wonders books. The breathtaking mountain setting is as beautiful as the love story it plays host to.
It's 1893 in Tacoma, Washington. Cora Baxter and her mother don't see eye to eye about her future. Cora's priorities lay with her university studies, her career at her stepfather's bank, and her work with the Tacoma Women's Suffrage Association. Her mother just wants her to get married to the rich and eligible businessman who keeps calling.
Meanwhile, the suffragettes have concocted a plan to have Cora climb to the top of Mount Rainier. They hope that the publicity will show the world that if an average woman can accomplish such a feat, then an average woman also has enough brains to vote. Cora's private arrangement with her mother is that if she climbs the mountain, then she wins control over her own matrimonial decisions.
Of course, to summit a 14,000-foot mountain, Cora is going to need a chaperone--her very supportive stepfather. But she's also going to need a guide. Enter Nathan Hardee.
At first unwilling to take an untried, pampered society girl into the mountains, Nathan starts to sympathize with Cora's plight. As they prepare for and embark on their mission to the summit, unexpected depths of character surprise both of them and prompt them to ask what they really want of life.
To begin with, I wasn't sure I was going to like Cora. She takes being independent to excess when she quibbles over whether she'll promise to follow Nathan's instructions in possibly life-threatening situations. But once she committed to the climb, I came to like her more. The cooperative dynamic that the two of them developed was refreshing.
My favorite part of this story was the actual mountain-climbing. There's something spellbinding about the concept of summiting a mountain and seeing the world from a perspective that most never reach. The climb throws Nathan and Cora on each other for support and emphasizes the loyalty and the trust that makes the story so romantic. It was well-written and compelling. This is a clean, sweet read with a slightly surprising way of resolving the tension between Cora and her mother.
Cora is set on getting to the top of Mt. Rainer, but she needs a guide. Nathan is the perfect one, and although he is reluctant at first he agrees to take her and her stepfather up there. She is going to help the cause for women's right to vote, as it is in the 1890s. A good read that was hard to put down. I don't usually read historical fiction, but this one was good. Struggles with class, women's rights, etc. and a budding romance all adds up to a good read. Throw in a villain or two and it gets better. Highly recommend this book and author.
I loved this story! It was an excellent and clean story about socialite Coraline Baxter, a suffragette, who is chosen to climb Mt Rainier. She hires Nathan Hardee to be her guide to the top. If she is not successful, her mother will insist she marry Mr Kincaid. Cora already knows that Kincaid is a deceitful man that she will never marry. The more she gets to know Nathan, the more she realizes what a good, upstanding man he is. When they reach the summit of Mt Rainier, he kisses her. When they make it back to the bottom of the mountain, they both have decisions to make. Her step father offers him a job at the bank, and he needs to decide if he wants it. Cora needs to decide if she wants to live with him in his cabin. They decide to marry, and live in his cabin. Wonderful story I loved reading!
A View Most Glorious by Regina Scott is a wonderful historical fiction novel that is the third book in the excellent series: American Wonders Collection. Such a great addition!
I have enjoyed all three books in this series thus far. Each one takes an American landmark and incorporates that into the location and plot of the story. This book takes us to Tacoma, Washington in the 1890s near Mount Rainier.
The plot is excellent in that it incorporates not just stunning landscapes and visuals, but also in adding historical events to add complexity to the narrative such as the financial instabilities at that time/place and the Women’s Suffrage movement.
I really liked Coraline Baxter and Nathan Hardee. Both have experienced challenges in the past, and have had family difficulties as well. Both are “outcasts” in respect to that they do not fit in the typical mindset and norm that are expected within their standings and gender roles during this time. Both are imperfect, yet have strong moral compasses, and want to better themselves and others, even if it still takes some time to find that out.
The stakes are high for both for different reasons as they attempt to make their trek up this treacherous terrain. Both have a lot to lose, but at the same time, could gain so much. With their inner fortitude, faith, and respective stubbornness, are they able to overcome adversity, bring notoriety to their causes, right the wrongs surrounding them, and find love and a purpose in life in the process?
I loved finding out the answers. The journey was also part of the fun.
The author’s note at the end was also a wonderful addition. I can’t wait to see what is next in this series.
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and Revell for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication.