I'm so mad i waited so long to read this. It's right up my alley. Frontier, strong women, acts of daring and bravery and kindness. Everything I need and want in a story, and it's all rue. Loved this.

I love books like this. Frontier history and western history plus Women’s history are all at the top,of my reading lists. Women who survived in the west and thrived had hearty constitutions. They serve as a legacy to modern women as the pioneers for power and change in a world dominated by men. A good read indeed.

Thoroughly enjoyed this book. great descriptions and enjoyable plot and characters! I've not read this author before but will do so again in the future!

Thank you for the opportunity read and review this title! I didn't enjoy it as much as I"d hoped, and rather than post a negative review, I chose to not feature it on my blog. I look forward to seeing what new releases you have in store!

This book was not what I expected. What I got was so much better. Marianne Monson brings to life the true stories of women and all their trials and hardships they went through to be more than ornaments on a guys arm. These women chose to make a name for themselves. Their short biographies leave you wanting more, and the author gives you information on where to find more about each of these twelve women who are talked about in the story.
I really enjoyed reading this book.
I received a free copy of this book in return for my honest opinion.

This is a wonderful book. I love reading true stories about the westward movement and that period in history in general, but these stories focusing on women were really wonderful and so inspiring. I had previously only heard of one of these women before. All of them were brave, industrious, strong women in a time when women were pretty much considered second class citizens whose opinions didn't matter

However, thanks to women like the ones whose stories are told here, changes were made - in politics, the workforce, and women's lives in general. Fascinating stories about fascinating women that can still inspire all these many years later.

One thing that seems to be lacking in non fiction accounts of the Old West are biographies of women's experiences. This book by Marianne Monson makes up for that omission. I found the book to be engrossing and hard to put down. Each chapter detailing a pioneer woman was well researched and well written. Highly recommended to readers interested in a complete history of the Old West.

I absolutely adored this fabulous tale of frontier women and their daring and intriguing exploits. If you are a fan of the old west and love reading descriptions of little-known characters and strange and compelling narratives then you too will just love Monson's book. I am a huge Calamity Jane fan and Annie Oakley was one of my teenage fascinations - but I adored reading all about the women whose names haven't gone down in history too. Monson's research is impressive and she has an uncanny knack for choosing the tales that you won't have heard of and retelling them that makes sure you won't forget them in a hurry! I loved the way that there were lots of different characters and locations in the book but they were all stitched together to make a wholly satisfying tapestry that kept me engaged and turning the pages for a whole Sunday afternoon. A great read that will keep your interest in a truly fascinating subject. Howe the West was won, with a feminine slant. I loved it1

What constitutes a frontier?...To me, a frontier is simply a place where your people have not gone before...it might be an unexplored theological issue, ...a newly invented technology, or an insight irreconcilable with current social norms."Marianne Monson, Frontier Grit

As a young girl I was in love with Calamity Jane. Well, actually Doris Day's version. Whip, crack, away! A gusty woman in a man's world.

Marianne Monson has scoured American history and selected twelve very special women who left their mark, improved the lives of others and truly reflect the pioneer spirit. Their names may be unfamiliar to you now, but after you read their stories you will never forget them.

Each chapter features one of these remarkable women. All of these women were migrants or immigrants from other countries or other regions of America. But in the end, where they came from wasn't as important as who they became and how they created a new life for themselves, often in defiance to social norms. Their lives, as a rule, faced unimaginable obstacles and hardships but each refused to be defined by their gender and social roles. And when faced with superhuman odds, they never stayed down for the count when knocked off their feet.

After you meet these incredible women, you might look at your own life and recognize how their sacrifices and courage affected your life today. We owe a lot to the past generations of women willing to take a chance, push social limits and to take a stand. These stories are intended to inspire you; to help you pick yourself up and dust yourself off when you get knocked down.

The author encourages you to read more about each woman by conveniently placing a bibliography at the end of each chapter.

I already knew something of Nellie Cashman, gold prospector, as her story coincides with a branch in my family tree. Indulge me as I give you some personal information that places Nellie Cashman in Dawson City.
In 2005, I was gifted a copy of a book by the authors, Ed and Star Jones entitled, All That Glitters: The Life and Times of Joe Ladue, Founder of Dawson City. Joe Ladue was one of the earliest pioneers in the Yukon and my Great-Grand Uncle. "Uncle Joe" filed his application for a 160-acre town site on July 27, 1896. As luck would have it, a major gold discovery was made in Bonanza Creek, a little more than a mile from the new town site shortly after he filed.

As the Jones' wrote, "[Nellie] Cashman might be considered the feminine counterpart of Joe Ladue. A petite, pretty woman with jet black hair and dark eyes, she was gifted with a stamina and toughness denied most men."All That Glitters, pg 45.

When news of the Klondike strike reached Nellie Cashman in 1897, " she put together a $5000 grubstake" and hot footed to the Chilkoot Trail. "Arriving in Dawson, City, she opened a store in the basement of the Hotel Donovan and a restaurant called Delmonico....She acquired No. 19 Below Discovery on Bonanza Creek and it proved a prudent investment."All That Glitters, pg 46

SO....You want to know more about Nellie? And remember! She is just one of twelve stories! You'll have to get a copy of Frontier Grit. The Yukon story is just a piece of this incredible woman's life.

Recommended for all young girls, women and enlightened men.