Book Review: The Measure of Katie Calloway

Last fall I eagerly got my hands on a book by a newer author entitled The Measure of Katie Calloway. I read constantly, but despite the large number of books I go through every year, I was especially thrilled about this one book. You see, The Measure of Katie Calloway is set in a historical Michigan logging town, and I live in a present day Michigan logging town.

I was interested to see how the author portrayed not only my home state, but also the logging aspect of the story. As it turned out, I really enjoyed the book. I recommended it to my local library (which is always interested in anything about Michigan's logging and mining past). And furthermore the author, Serena Miller, made me feel like I was there, feeling the snow on my face and smelling the scent of pine needles. I was really fascinated by the old-time logging methods, and even though I live in an area where there's an occasional death due to logging, I didn't realize how much more dangerous old-time logging was.

Beyond the setting of a Michigan logging community, I appreciated the story of an abused woman escaping harm, learning to stand up for herself, and falling in love again. And Miller also created a really unique cast of unforgettable smaller characters that help populate the lumber camp where Katie works as a cook.

Well, fast forward nine months, and The Measure of Katie Calloway is being nominated for a Rita Award (a series of rather prestigious romance awards issued in various categories every summer). So today I'm blogging over at Craftie Ladies of Love Inspired Romance, doing a "book interview." I invite you all to pop on by if you want to learn a little more about the story and it's author.

And now my question for you: Have any of you ever read a novel set in a town you're already familiar with? Did you like it? Did you think the author did a good job of portraying the area and making it interesting for those unfamiliar with the setting?

Have a great weekend! We're happily welcoming Sherri Shackelford for an interview and book giveaway next week, so be looking forward to that.