Rating: 
Summary: Michener type novel based on fact - founding of Lauderdale.
Review: Mystic Sweet Communion is the fourth novel based on fact by award winning author, Jane Kirkpatrick. Each of the four novels has a common theme - a pioneer woman at the turn of the century facing the hardships of a rugged environment, a second class citizenship and frequently internal doubts and conflicts. Despite the many obstacles, or because of them, a new and higher civilization is forged out of the frontier wilderness, both environmental and social.The main character in Mystic is Ivy Cromartie Stranahan. At age 17 in 1898 she is with her parents and siblings in Lemon City, Florida near Miami. She is haunted by a terrible tragedy of her childhood but, nevertheless, presented with a grand opportunity to be the first teacher in a settlement on the New River known as Lauderdale. As she forges her way into the frontier society (and into womanhood) we get to meet the early pioneers and the Seminole Indians. Ivy has a rather strange marriage to Frank Stranahan who is himself quite a character. They form a supportive partnership, build a trading post that is today a historical site and are instrumental in the creation of the City of Fort Lauderdale. With Frank's support, Ivy defies the religious and social conventions of her day. Her sense of justice is constantly challenged by what she hears from the pulpit and what she witnesses in the treatment of the Seminoles and the environment. On completing the novel there is a sense of loss at leaving the world of Frank and Ivy Stranahan. They were pioneers in the true sense of the word - building a new community, breaking social taboos and creating a worthy legacy.
Rating: 
Summary: This one just didn't quite engross me.
Review: The history of Florida was interesting but the book didn't make much sense to me. The plot never really was developed and the characters didn't seem real. A lot happened to the characters but without being able to feel what they felt, it was just a history lesson. I did finish the book but it was a struggle. It was such a disppointment after reading Love to Water My Soul.
Rating:
Summary: This one just didn't quite engross me.
Review: The history of Florida was interesting but the book didn't make much sense to me. The plot never really was developed and the characters didn't seem real. A lot happened to the characters but without being able to feel what they felt, it was just a history lesson. I did finish the book but it was a struggle. It was such a disppointment after reading Love to Water My Soul.
Rating:
Summary: Delightful, literary, historical fiction.
Review: This delightful historical fiction blends a tender love story with the real life struggles of the Seminole Indians at the turn of the last century. It's a tale of commitment to marriage vows made by two strong individuals willing to support one another in the pursuit of their altruistic goals no matter the personal cost. It's also a story of the Lord's faithfulness. Through these pages roam real characters facing real dilemmas and and living with the consequences of their choices. Memories of Ivy, the heroine, and her determination to secure justice for the Seminoles will haunt you long after you turn the last page. Added to the enticing story line and the various subplots is a unique literary style that's sure to please discriminating readers who savor delicately turned phrases.
Rating:
Summary: A real life story of true devotion!
Review: This is a wonderful story of two amazing people--Ivy and Frank Stranahan. Ivy's dream to become a teacher turned into much more when she married Frank Stranahan. They became very important in the growth of Ft. Lauderdale and to the Seminole Indians who lived there. They were a unique couple with a very surprising relationship. As I read the book, I felt as though I knew Ivy and Frank and could visual the area. It is an inspiring book about two very real people. Jane has the ability to make you "feel a part of" what is happening in the book! Enjoy!
Rating:
Summary: Fact or Fiction?
Review: Very disappointing. The author has written a fictional, in-the-first-person, autobiography. Quite a contradiction. The extremely personal details of Ivy Stranahan's life should not have been included, as the reader has no idea where fact and fiction begin and end. One cannot imagine that Mrs. Stranahan would have wanted these details, if they are true, to be available to anyone who happens to pick up the book. Perhaps speculation of this sort would be more acceptable if the main character were one who had lived centuries ago rather than a 20th century individual. The bizarre details of her private life tend to distract from Mrs. Stranahan's accomplishments. This book can vaguely be categorized as historical fiction, and there are no illustrations.
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