Prairie Cinderella; Vinny Reem and the Gilded Age by Joan Buaza Koster, Vinny Reem is a young girl who happened to be in the right place at the right time and her father was associated with the right people. She was an aspiring sculptor during an after the Civil War into her Credit the most her father could do is introduce her to the right people but like most women with independent ideas and aspirations beyond motherhood bad things were said about Vinny gossip was even spread by other “modern“ independent women. Vinny let none of this stop her she had many suitors, despite not being classically beautiful. She had an open and loving spirit especially when it came to her family her friends and her work. She would gain success in financial security only to lose it again. She would live in Paris and Rome with her parents but her happiest days were in her childhood on the Prairie and after her marriage and despite all the negative things people said about her in the end here we are 160 years later still discussing her. I am not big on fictional biographies but found this one very interesting I am even curious to read the other books in the series and definitely recommend this one. #NetGalley, #TheBlindReviewer, #MyHonestReview, #JoanBuazaKoster, #PrairieCinderella,

Vinnie Reams was an American woman creating major art installations in the 1800s when it was typically a male only occupation. This book is quite readable, and interesting as a narration, although it tries to be carefully and scrupulously historically accurate. Reams led a remarkable life. This is her story.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will be reading more from this author. I hadn't read any of her works previously. It was very interesting to read about a woman who paved the way for so many others in the art world. I will definitely recommend this book! I will say there are some grammatical errors and some stretching with the "times" but I could overlook those and enjoy the unique challenges of a young lady who was definitely a trend-setter.

The book desperately needs an editor.
The story is engaging, the characters well drawn. But anachronisms, especially in verbal expressions, continuously throw me out of the story, There are turns of phrase that simply didn’t exist at the time. These need to be corrected. And please, please, get someone who actually speaks French to correct the horrific attempts at French. Google translate is not a tool for accurate conversation, but there are also weird misspelled French words.
I’m halfway thru the story and struggling to not give up. There is enough good here that I will keep trying. I will come back with further feedback when I have completed the book, or if I cannot finish it I will provide details as to why.
I wish this book were better written.
********************
I have finished this biographical novel and it did improve as it went. The negatives listed above were balanced by strong, authentic character development, which had to be challenging as the author is dealing with historical individuals who actually lived and experienced the actions and events in the book. She does an excellent job of getting into the main character’s head with believable thoughts and motivations, based on what I found had been written about Vinnie Ream. I did find myself doing extensive research about her as I read, because she was simply a fascinating, unique woman. Her talents were supported by a sense of loyalty, strength, and intelligence that enabled her to navigate difficult social situations. I appreciated the short biographical essay at the end of the book that gave a bit of perspective on some of the choices made by the author.
Prairie Cinderella does need additional editing and corrections to the errors mentioned above, but when these have been addressed it will rate at least four stars. Unfortunately I cannot give it more than three as written presently.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

You’ve seen her work but I bet you never knew who she was. A sculptor in a man’s world doing art if men made her ahead of her time. #nationalwomensmonth Check out the History Chick’s Podcast on her, excellent.

Book 3 of 3 - A story of a sculptress during a man’s world era. It is well researched and written. I do suggest reading these in order. Great stories!

Prairie Cinderella: Vinnie Ream and the Gilded Age by Joan Koster. The book was an interesting story. Would be good to read another story following more of the characters.

PRAIRIE CINDERELLA is a coming-of-age story about a young woman searching for her identity during an era dominated by men, where women question who to love, who to trust, and where they belong.
Driven by her passions, Sculptress Vinnie Ream aims to shatter the barriers hindering her success by becoming deeply involved and intertwined with Washington D.C.’s elite amidst the backdrop of Civil War politics, family turmoil, and high society propaganda.
Torn between returning to her past simpler way of life on the prairie and the man she once loved or staying on the path of recognition for her talent and the possibilities of new romantic prospects, Vinnie finds herself at odds with her old beliefs versus the new where her dreams could become reality.
Koster resurrects a tale forgotten by history, artfully blending humor, adventure, romance, and drama. She vividly depicts a time when the nation was precariously poised and teetering on the edge away from a newly birthed democracy.
I strongly recommend this book to readers who enjoy American historical fiction.

A thoroughly enjoyable historical read. This is the way history should be presented, full of life and passion, making historical figures into real people!

The author effectively transports you to Washington, D.C., during the Civil War era, vividly capturing the time. The author uses vivid language that brings, the settings and characters to life. Highly recommend.