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Keepsake Legacies #2
Karyn's Memory Box
April 1, 1880
My name is Karyn Ensinger Ritter. I am twenty-one, and I have just come to Custer Country, Nebraska, from Brandenburg, Germany. I begin this diary as a way of sharing my heart when I cannot speak it. My husband is Mikal Ritter, and he seems to be a kind man. He is handsome in a wild way that is sometimes almost frightening. The "house" is a pile of earth, and the "farm" is nothing but a few scratches in the earth made with something called a "breaking plow." But I have determined to do something with the house, and although I may be only a woman, I have no less resolve than Herr Ritter displays in his struggle to transform a barren land into a farm.
Dirt. He expected her to look at dirt and call it home. Karyn Ensinger Ritter's introduction to the prairie soddy that was the "house" on Mikal Ritter's prairie homestead offers an unpromising start to her new life in America. But she is determined to build a good life in Nebraska--in spite of mud, heat, hailstorms, rattlesnakes, prairie fires--and dirt.
As time goes on, Karyn finds that the wilderness can blossom. She discovers the beauty of the prairie, the helpfulness of neighbors, and the satisfaction of a hard day's work. She also discovers that a marriage of convenience has the potential to turn to love--until the life she worked so hard to build is threatened with destruction. Will Karyn choose to trust God with the desires of her heart, no matter how bleak things look?
Karyn's Memory Box is the second book in the Keepsake Legacies Series, and a heartwarming story of one young woman's courage and faith during pioneer days in Nebraska.
My name is Karyn Ensinger Ritter. I am twenty-one, and I have just come to Custer Country, Nebraska, from Brandenburg, Germany. I begin this diary as a way of sharing my heart when I cannot speak it. My husband is Mikal Ritter, and he seems to be a kind man. He is handsome in a wild way that is sometimes almost frightening. The "house" is a pile of earth, and the "farm" is nothing but a few scratches in the earth made with something called a "breaking plow." But I have determined to do something with the house, and although I may be only a woman, I have no less resolve than Herr Ritter displays in his struggle to transform a barren land into a farm.
Dirt. He expected her to look at dirt and call it home. Karyn Ensinger Ritter's introduction to the prairie soddy that was the "house" on Mikal Ritter's prairie homestead offers an unpromising start to her new life in America. But she is determined to build a good life in Nebraska--in spite of mud, heat, hailstorms, rattlesnakes, prairie fires--and dirt.
As time goes on, Karyn finds that the wilderness can blossom. She discovers the beauty of the prairie, the helpfulness of neighbors, and the satisfaction of a hard day's work. She also discovers that a marriage of convenience has the potential to turn to love--until the life she worked so hard to build is threatened with destruction. Will Karyn choose to trust God with the desires of her heart, no matter how bleak things look?
Karyn's Memory Box is the second book in the Keepsake Legacies Series, and a heartwarming story of one young woman's courage and faith during pioneer days in Nebraska.
250 pages, Hardcover
First published March 2, 1999
76 people are currently reading
160 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Grace Whitson
54 books338 followersA native of southern Illinois, Stephanie Grace Whitson has lived in Nebraska since 1975. She began what she calls "playing with imaginary friends" (writing fiction) when, as a result of teaching her four homeschooled children Nebraska history, she was personally encouraged and challenged by the lives of pioneer women in the West. Since her first book, Walks the Fire, was published in 1995, Stephanie's fiction titles have appeared on the ECPA bestseller list numerous times and been finalists for the Christy Award, the Inspirational Reader's Choice Award, and ForeWord Magazine's Book of the Year. Her first nonfiction work, How to Help a Grieving Friend, was released in 2005. In addition to serving in her local church and keeping up with two married children, two college students, and a high school senior, Stephanie enjoys motorcycle trips with her family and church friends. Her passionate interests in pioneer women's history, antique quilts, and French, Italian, and Hawaiian language and culture provide endless story-telling possibilities.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
June 25, 2017
Rating: 4.5
Karyn Ensinger, one of four daughters in a German family, decides rather than marry the old, distasteful widower that her father wants her to marry that she will join a group of women headed to America to become brides for German farmers in Nebraska. Mikal Ritter, a widower himself, but tall, handsome, and close to her age picks Karyn as his bride. Nebraska soddies are not what Karyn expected and she must learn to adjust to an entirely different life than what she knew in Germany. Mikal and Karyn both have to get beyond the past and learn to lean on God to overcome the numerous difficulties that beset them.
Once again Whitson has combined strong, complex characters who need to learn to lean on God, a plot with many twists and turns, and a deep faith thread that kept me turning pages from beginning to end. There were minor characters that both frustrated ( her sister Sophia) and inspired (Celest, Karyn's neighbor). I would love to see more stories about some of them. The town of Millersburg was a perfect setting with its mix of immigrants and neighbors helping neighbors.
My only complaint for this book is it didn't seem to transition from the first book. I have already started reading the third book in this series, Nora's Ribbon Memories; and it has a definite transition from book 2. I do highly recommend this series though to readers of historical Christian Fiction with just a light touch of romance.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "She used to say over and over again, whenever something bad happened, that we must simply trust and obey; obey by doing the little thing before us that God had provided to do, and trust in HIm for the rest."
"Well, I believe that God knows everything, and that God can do anything."
"People who depend on other people for their happiness can never be truly happy."
"Fulfillment and true happiness were promised to those who turned to God, trusted Him, and served Him first instead of worrying about themselves."
Karyn Ensinger, one of four daughters in a German family, decides rather than marry the old, distasteful widower that her father wants her to marry that she will join a group of women headed to America to become brides for German farmers in Nebraska. Mikal Ritter, a widower himself, but tall, handsome, and close to her age picks Karyn as his bride. Nebraska soddies are not what Karyn expected and she must learn to adjust to an entirely different life than what she knew in Germany. Mikal and Karyn both have to get beyond the past and learn to lean on God to overcome the numerous difficulties that beset them.
Once again Whitson has combined strong, complex characters who need to learn to lean on God, a plot with many twists and turns, and a deep faith thread that kept me turning pages from beginning to end. There were minor characters that both frustrated ( her sister Sophia) and inspired (Celest, Karyn's neighbor). I would love to see more stories about some of them. The town of Millersburg was a perfect setting with its mix of immigrants and neighbors helping neighbors.
My only complaint for this book is it didn't seem to transition from the first book. I have already started reading the third book in this series, Nora's Ribbon Memories; and it has a definite transition from book 2. I do highly recommend this series though to readers of historical Christian Fiction with just a light touch of romance.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "She used to say over and over again, whenever something bad happened, that we must simply trust and obey; obey by doing the little thing before us that God had provided to do, and trust in HIm for the rest."
"Well, I believe that God knows everything, and that God can do anything."
"People who depend on other people for their happiness can never be truly happy."
"Fulfillment and true happiness were promised to those who turned to God, trusted Him, and served Him first instead of worrying about themselves."
September 4, 2017
This Christian historical fiction novel gives the reader a good feel for the many challenges the Nebraska prairie presented. Learning the English language, living in a soddy, major storms, a new marriage, and unfamiliar dangers are some of the challenges Karyn faced. The author's characters aren't perfect and grow a great deal during the story. I intend to read the next book in this series also.
May 16, 2019
German. Diary entires. Historical Nebraska. German phrases. Christian romance.
And did I mention that the characters are German, and I love them so much?
This book had all of my favorite things in it, even stuff I didn't know was my favorite. I can't believe I hadn't heard of this author before now. (The book was at the library's eternal book sale, so now we own it) I love German people. Give me a historical Christian fiction book with Germans in it, and I will like it. Add some phrases in German--especially hard ones that I can't translate--and I will like it even more. Add the epitome of a Proverbs 31 woman as the heroine, and I will be in awe of such a unique character. And if you throw in a diary/keepsake theme? And write some very realistic diary entries? Okay, I'll stop now. But I hope I got my point across.
So first we have Mikal, a quiet but kind soul with a great name. (Seriously, I've never read a book before with a character named Mikal. I'm glad this injustice has been corrected) He communicates for the most part, he's protective but not overly jealous, and he's awkward in the sweetest places. And his relationship with God--as well as the hard journey it took him to have that relationship--was very realistic and well done. In a way, his quietness was deceiving; I knew I liked him very much, but I didn't realize how much I was invested in his happiness until I cried at the resolution.
Karyn is just like Mikal in that she's a quiet, nothing spectacular or dramatic about her. Except she's a hard worker, and she is knowledgeable--as I mentioned, a Proverbs 31 woman. She's capable, but not annoying about it. And while she did fit the mold of not-as-pretty sister being jealous of much-prettier sister, it didn't seem cliché. Plus, I loved her diary entries, because she merely recorded the facts--no mention of her emotions or what she feels about Mikal or Sophie.
I also feel like I should mention Reagan Bishop, even though she was just in the prologue and epilogue. First, she's great because she's interested in antiques and preserving history. Her story/romance would actually be one contemporary novel I'd want to read. Which leads me to my main thought about this book ...
I need more! I need more of Mikal and Karyn's marriage and day-to-day life. I need more of Sophie and what she's going to do with her life. I need to know of Reagan and Noah. (Especially that Noah WILL get rid of the ponytail in his long hair ... that's gross) It's not that the book finished before it should have, but I just want more of the goodness that is Karyn's Memory Box. And I need a book devoted to Sophie, even though she was somewhat of an annoyance. And Luc, and even Serge and Remi.
I do realize this book probably isn't for everyone; it's not the type where the romance conflict takes over the plot, and some conflict/arguing gets resolved almost immediately (just superficially). But it did check all my boxes for an amazing book. (Can I get some more of that German, please?)
And did I mention that the characters are German, and I love them so much?
This book had all of my favorite things in it, even stuff I didn't know was my favorite. I can't believe I hadn't heard of this author before now. (The book was at the library's eternal book sale, so now we own it) I love German people. Give me a historical Christian fiction book with Germans in it, and I will like it. Add some phrases in German--especially hard ones that I can't translate--and I will like it even more. Add the epitome of a Proverbs 31 woman as the heroine, and I will be in awe of such a unique character. And if you throw in a diary/keepsake theme? And write some very realistic diary entries? Okay, I'll stop now. But I hope I got my point across.
So first we have Mikal, a quiet but kind soul with a great name. (Seriously, I've never read a book before with a character named Mikal. I'm glad this injustice has been corrected) He communicates for the most part, he's protective but not overly jealous, and he's awkward in the sweetest places. And his relationship with God--as well as the hard journey it took him to have that relationship--was very realistic and well done. In a way, his quietness was deceiving; I knew I liked him very much, but I didn't realize how much I was invested in his happiness until I cried at the resolution.
Karyn is just like Mikal in that she's a quiet, nothing spectacular or dramatic about her. Except she's a hard worker, and she is knowledgeable--as I mentioned, a Proverbs 31 woman. She's capable, but not annoying about it. And while she did fit the mold of not-as-pretty sister being jealous of much-prettier sister, it didn't seem cliché. Plus, I loved her diary entries, because she merely recorded the facts--no mention of her emotions or what she feels about Mikal or Sophie.
I also feel like I should mention Reagan Bishop, even though she was just in the prologue and epilogue. First, she's great because she's interested in antiques and preserving history. Her story/romance would actually be one contemporary novel I'd want to read. Which leads me to my main thought about this book ...
I need more! I need more of Mikal and Karyn's marriage and day-to-day life. I need more of Sophie and what she's going to do with her life. I need to know of Reagan and Noah. (Especially that Noah WILL get rid of the ponytail in his long hair ... that's gross) It's not that the book finished before it should have, but I just want more of the goodness that is Karyn's Memory Box. And I need a book devoted to Sophie, even though she was somewhat of an annoyance. And Luc, and even Serge and Remi.
I do realize this book probably isn't for everyone; it's not the type where the romance conflict takes over the plot, and some conflict/arguing gets resolved almost immediately (just superficially). But it did check all my boxes for an amazing book. (Can I get some more of that German, please?)
May 14, 2023
Really enjoyed this book, more than the first book in the series. This was a page turner for me, I loved the descriptions of the area and the friendships that Karyn made soon after arriving in America.
Karyn had a lot of hardships in her new way of life, but through it all, she eventually learnt to trust God with her future and not put all her trust in her new husband. Think that is something we all need to remember, is that human beings can let us down, but God will never let us down. He may have different plans for us, than we would like, but if we surrender completely to Him, then he will align our will with his. This though, isn't always easy.
As always with this writer, I love that there are scripture verses at the start of each chapter.
Only reason for not giving 5 stars, is the fact that the story doesn't really have an ending, feels like the author dwelt too much on the first few months of Karyn's arrival. Although we get a glimpse in the epilogue of the family Her and Mikal had, there felt too many loose ends needing tidying up. Maybe in the next book? Also, this doesn't seam to be linked to the first book of the series, apart from the fact that it is set in Nebraska.
I also liked the prologue and epilogue. I read this via Kindle Unlimited.
Karyn had a lot of hardships in her new way of life, but through it all, she eventually learnt to trust God with her future and not put all her trust in her new husband. Think that is something we all need to remember, is that human beings can let us down, but God will never let us down. He may have different plans for us, than we would like, but if we surrender completely to Him, then he will align our will with his. This though, isn't always easy.
As always with this writer, I love that there are scripture verses at the start of each chapter.
Only reason for not giving 5 stars, is the fact that the story doesn't really have an ending, feels like the author dwelt too much on the first few months of Karyn's arrival. Although we get a glimpse in the epilogue of the family Her and Mikal had, there felt too many loose ends needing tidying up. Maybe in the next book? Also, this doesn't seam to be linked to the first book of the series, apart from the fact that it is set in Nebraska.
I also liked the prologue and epilogue. I read this via Kindle Unlimited.
July 23, 2020
Solid 3-star, "liked it" read. I really enjoy books with a homesteading/Westward expansion theme. I also really appreciate that Ms. Whitson includes a relevant Scripture passage at the beginning of each chapter. There are some really great characters in this book. But---for me---this was just too much of a romance novel. Totally clean and not trashy in any way, but, still, romance isn't my genre, even Christian romance. Nearly 300 pages of misunderstandings, jealousies, and "I'm afraid to tell him I love him" bore me. I wound up skimming the last quarter of the book. While I did like this, for me, it was not nearly as good as the first book in this series. Not sure I will read book 3, as I fear it, too, will be more "Christian romance" than "Christian fiction."
April 3, 2021
I was hooked from the beginning in this one and had a hard time putting it down. The story begins with Karyn, a mail order bride who only speaks German. She is chosen by Mika, a tall handsome man who takes her to his homestead in Nebraska to live in a Soddy. She commits to 30 days to see if they can make it work and finds she is quite capable of living in this setting and works hard from the beginning. The trouble begins when her sister Sophie shows up unannounced and shows interest in Karyns husband. There is a beautiful love story, personal strength and some anxiety provoking challenges that make this story worth reading.
March 21, 2023
Love long awaited
The story was good. Mihal and Karyn were so hard working., they didn't have time to really try to make getting to know each other . so happy it all worked out. After all the heart ache and missed chances to really show their feelings. Thank you for a nice read.
The story was good. Mihal and Karyn were so hard working., they didn't have time to really try to make getting to know each other . so happy it all worked out. After all the heart ache and missed chances to really show their feelings. Thank you for a nice read.
November 8, 2024
A delightful read. Marriage of convenience, living on the prairie under harsh circumstances a woman must adjust to a life she was not prepared for. The plot moved along at a nice pace keeping the reader interested.
September 28, 2017
Characters a bit hard to like.
August 11, 2018
It kept me interested all the time to find out what was going to happen next.
September 13, 2018
Great read
Felt like I was left hanging. Is there a sequel? Would live to finish the story. Does she only write historical romance?
Felt like I was left hanging. Is there a sequel? Would live to finish the story. Does she only write historical romance?
June 13, 2009
CHRISTIAN FICTION BOOK. I'VE LIKED ALL OF THIS AUTHORS BOOKS THAT I HAVE READ AND I'VE READ AND I'VE ALMOST ALL OF THEM. HER LATER BOOKS HAVE BEEN MODERN DAY AND I DIDN'T THINK I WOULD LIKE THEM, BUT I DID. SHE LIVES IN NEBRASKA CLOSE TO WHERE MY PARENTS LIVE. HER BOOKS PRETTY MUCH TAKE PLACE IN NEBRASKA, HER EARLIER BOOKS TAKE PLACEIN THE 1800'S. SHE WAS THE FIRST CHRISTIAN FICTION WRITER THAT I STARTED TO READ.
September 9, 2011
Love this series! Another strong woman who came from Germany to marry a man she'd never met and settle on the prairie of Nebraska. I like books that show tough, courageous women who do what needs to be done to get by and Karyn was that woman in this booj.
June 13, 2009
Great story about life in early Nebraska and the challenges of coming from Germany, speaking no English. Fast paced novel and great descriptive passages.
July 9, 2010
Prairie story of woman from Germany who comes out and meets her husband. Very good.
May 22, 2016
Stephanie Grace Whitson is a gifted writer and I am enjoying this series very much. I highly recommend her to any historical novel buffs.
June 23, 2012
Great story about German immigrants in early Nebraska.
February 6, 2013
Lovely story to read
March 2, 2013
#2 in series
July 20, 2016
I really like her writing and the theme of trust.
December 29, 2016
Good historical fiction series- inspirational without being too preachy. The ending was a bit abrupt and I would have liked more tie in with the beginning.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews