The Edge of Nowhere by Catherine Armstrong; a Review

It is the start of a new year which means new books that are coming out! I am always in anticipation of what books will come out this year, especially what new Historical Fiction will come out. I love historical fiction, but the problem is that too many books do that same “period” of history. There are a million and one books about the Civil War or the Regency Era, but when I get approached by an author who writes a book that takes place during the Dust Bowl, she has my attention. I haven’t read any books about the Dust Bowl and often remember it as a time that we skimmed over in American History in High School, so I am eager to try something new. Catherine (C.H.) Armstrong takes on unknown territory in The Edge of Nowhere and proceeds to blow every expectation out of the water.

“The year is 1992 and Victoria Hastings Harrison Greene—reviled matriarch of a sprawling family—is dying. After surviving the Oklahoma Dust Bowl and the Great Depression, Victoria refuses to leave this earth before revealing the secrets she’s carried for decades. Once the child of a loving family during peaceful times, a shocking death shattered her life. Victoria came face to face with the harshness of the world. As the warm days of childhood receded to distant memory, Victoria learns to survive. No matter what it takes. To keep her family alive in an Oklahoma blighted by dust storms and poverty, Victoria makes choices—harsh ones, desperate ones. Ones that eventually made her into the woman her grandchildren fear and whisper about. Ones that kept them all alive. Hers is a taleof tragedy, love, murder, and above all, the conviction to never stop fighting.” – Synopsis from the Author

This book is historical fiction done right! Catherine took major themes of the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression and allowed her novel to be wrapped around such important events in American History. Catherine has agility to take a story and not allow it to be over shadowed by historical events, but allow them to be an accent of her story. Her book is intoxicating to read and I proceeded to blow through it in 2 days; I was unable to put it down and debated taking it with me to dinner party to finish it before the day was out. I was in the deepest desire to find out what would happen to Victoria and her family. It was the first book hang over I had of 2016, and I was unable to pick up another book for a day or two after finishing The Edge of Nowhere. Catherine’s story telling ability has the tendency to keep her readers gripped with every page, with twists and turns that keep the heart’s of her audience grasped with anticipation if what will happen next. She has the talent to humanize her characters in a way that you feel whatever they are feeling, and root for them when they had hit rock bottom. Victoria was a character that every woman can relate to and can strive to become; a woman who had a spirit and a fight to do whatever was necessary. This story was one heart break after another and I suddenly became aware of the devastation that came from such important moments of America’s history. Obviously in school we do not go into great detail about the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression, but Catherine has brought a voice to a period of time that people would barely give their attention to. Her book is captivating, entertaining, and by far the best book I have read in 2016, so far.

Everyone should read this book! It does not matter if you do not like historical fiction, this book will change your perception of how you view reading in general. It is great novels like this one that will inspire people to start reading again and will spark a passion for reading. It is not often that I find books that ignite a love of reading, but The Edge of Nowhere is a book that reminds me of how much I love to read. Catherine’s writing and her gift of bringing life through words is unlike any author I have seen for a long time. Time passed and stood still when I was reading this fantastic piece of work. I did not care if the world went on without me since I was so caught up in the beauty and majesty of Catherine’s passion. From speaking with her over emails, I had a feeling of how much love and work was put into this book and it shows within every chapter.

Be sure to add The Edge of Nowhere to your TBR list of 2016, you will not regret it for one second! Time will stand still as Catherine takes you into a story that will rip your heart out, and keep you at the edge of your seat. When you come out of the book hangover, message me and we can discuss how amazing this book is!

Buy it on Amazon Right Now:The Edge of Nowhere: A Tale of Tragedy, Love, Murder, and Survival

Happy Reading!

Disclaimer: I was sent The Edge of Nowhere for free from Catherine Armstrong for an honest review. This review is of my own work, and I did not copy or refer to any other reviewers/writers/bloggers for this post. All content provided on “A Comfy Chair” is for informational purposes only. I make no representation as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site. I will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor for the availability of this information. I will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of this information.

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