The Diary of Mattie Spenser Audiobook By Sandra Dallas cover art

The Diary of Mattie Spenser

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The Diary of Mattie Spenser

By: Sandra Dallas
Narrated by: Celeste Ciulla
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No one is more surprised than Mattie Spenser herself when Luke Spenser, considered the great catch of their small Iowa town, asks her to marry him. Less than a month later, they are off in a covered wagon to build a home on the Colorado frontier. Mattie's only company is a slightly mysterious husband and her private journal, where she records the joys and frustrations not just of frontier life, but also of a new marriage to a handsome, but distant stranger. As she and Luke make a life together on the harsh and beautiful plains, Mattie learns some bitter truths about her husband and the girl he left behind and finds love where she least expects it. Dramatic and suspenseful, this is an unforgettable story of hardship, friendship, and survival.

©1997 Sandra Dallas (P)2012 Recorded Books Historical Fiction Historical Diaries

Critic reviews

“One of the bright new voices in historical fiction … Dallas's authentic period details, her colorful minor characters, and most of all Mattie herself lend charm and emotional truth to this appealing marital and pioneering adventure." ( Publishers Weekly)
Engaging Historical Fiction • Beautiful Descriptive Language • Pleasant Voice • Compelling First-person Narrative
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What did you love best about The Diary of Mattie Spenser?

The first person account

Who was your favorite character and why?

Mattie. Strong lady

Which scene was your favorite?

The end

If you could take any character from The Diary of Mattie Spenser out to dinner, who would it be and why?

Mr Baunderant (spelling) sorry

Any additional comments?

Sandra Dallas is such a great writer if your are an occasional reader looking for ease of reading with full wonderful story

Mattie

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I absolutely loved this story and the characters. the narrative was so easy to listen to.

excellent read

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Loved it! I hated to be away from it. Mattie is an inspiration. She lived by the word of God.

one of the best

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Great story made even better by great narration! I was pulled into her story and wished I could have been friends with her. Looked the unexpected events and Mattie's grit.

I want to be Mattie's friend!

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Thoroughly enjoyed the story, the twists, the reality and the author's genuine grasp of the hard life of women on the prairie.

Another masterpiece!

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It is an eye-opener to learn how women lived in that era. Sandra Dallas really educates us in her novels on what life looked like for women then. So many today, including myself, are ignorant to the difficulties and lack of freedom they had. This book sparked my interest in soddie homes and how they were constructed. Picturing the heroine sitting at her table while a snake came through her wall! I loved this book!!!

I learn a lot from this author-every one of her books I’ve read.

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I read this book years ago! It was fun to listen to it! Great story!!!

Loved listening to this book!’

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Would you listen to The Diary of Mattie Spenser again? Why?

No, I would not because I have too much reading to do for book club.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Mattie

What does Celeste Ciulla bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

For me when I hear something it's easier for me to visualize the people, places, etc.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The book was moving throughout because Mattie constantly evaluated herself as a woman. Although she came from a somewhat coddled or protected upbringing, she was a strong women who didn't give up or in easily. She was even a good sport to live out on the prairie and suffer as she did w/ few words of complaint. Luke chose a sturdy women who didn't back down or "fade" easily.

Any additional comments?

It's a good read/listen. It moves slowly so it's probably not the book for everyone but everything moved slower back then w/o the communication like we have today or even 100 years ago.

Journey Back in Time

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I’m Not a fan of the reader…too much of a robotic sound. Excellent story!

Great story

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I very much enjoyed the story. I laughed and cried and thought it to be written and narrated very well.

Great story!!

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