Book Review Montana Matrimonial News

Multi-award-winning author Candace Simar's newest book is an open invitation for readers to immerse themselves in the life of homesteaders in 1889 North Dakota Territory through personal stories of residents who make up the heart of this  Norwegian community. We meet endearing characters as well as some contentious neighbors who form unlikely friendships and alliances while facing the daily challenges of homesteading. Simar creates vivid images of the landscape. Themes of friendship, family, resilience, and determination prevail throughout the story. 

To keep the story framework centered, Simar wisely incorporates the historical background of the times, which included references to Prohibition and North Dakota statehood. 

At the heart of the storyline is the Montana Matrimonial News, a newspaper. It was one of the 19th-century newspapers dedicated to personal ads, similar to online dating today. Many homesteaders who were stuck on their claims in the middle of nowhere wanted to escape loneliness and find a wife. Placing an ad in the newspaper gave homesteaders hope with a chance to find love. Women had various reasons for responding to an ad. Some were looking for adventure, a fresh start, an escape from spinsterhood, and maybe even oppressive households. However, many women who responded to ads were unprepared for life on the prairie, having unrealistic expectations and few homemaking skills. And so begins a variety of touching and engaging personal stories about the Norwegian community of Nickelbo, North Dakota Territory, including those who placed ads, those who responded, contentious neighbors, family, as well as unlikely friendships and alliances. 

Olava Wick, known as Doctor Garnia, won my heart despite being a bit of a curmudgeon. She was the elderly Norwegian midwife and general medical practitioner whose presence was a common thread in each chapter, moving from one homestead to another as needed. While notoriously known for her bluntness, she was famous for her cures and special salves. She had a cure for every ailment and offered advice whether you wanted it or not. Doctor Garnia's popular phrase, "My cures work if you can stand them," made her legendary.  

The structure of the book is a departure for Simar, with each chapter functioning as a standalone vignette of everyday life and romance on the American Frontier. For the residents of Nickelbo, life revolved around wheat, ever-changing seasonal weather, lack of adequate medical resources, finding love, loyalty, and embracing the meaning of what a family is. 

Character development is a strength of Simar's writing. She has created characters that are relatable, with personalities that show depth, personality, flaws, and clear motivations. They remain with you long after you close the book.      

ALL ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Candace Simar

Photo Credit Joey Halverson

Candace Simar likes to imagine how things might have been. She combines her love of history with her Scandinavian heritage in historical novels that examine the early days of Minnesota and North Dakota. “I write historical novels to share painless history lessons about the fascinating and unique history of our region.”

Simar is a multi-award winner. Check out her website for more information about her books, awards, and preordering at candacesimar.com