Page 2 of 3
There are currently 20 member reviews
for Girl Waits with Gun
-
Dianne S. (Green Valley, AZ)
An Outstanding Book!
I loved Girl Waiting with Gun. I was captivated from the very start and on the edge of my proverbial seat for the entire book. The story was humorous, suspenseful and totally engrossing. As I got near to the end, I began to read more slowly because I didn't want it to end.
I was very surprised when I read in the acknowledgement s that the story was based on true events. I was thrilled when I read that it would be a series.
I highly recommend this book to anyone that likes a rollicking good read!
-
Linda N. (Dallas, TX)
Constance is my new hero
I thoroughly immersed myself into this intriguing and delightful story of the Kopp sisters, each vulnerable yet strong in her own right. I particularly resonate with the oldest, Constance, who with true grit, courage, cleverness, resourcefulness and independence, meets the challenges that threaten her family. This is a good choice for book clubs, lovers of historical fiction, and any reader who loves seeing difficult challenges met by strong feminine protagonists.
-
Francine E. (Shirley, NY)
The Steely Determined Constance
Sometimes you choose your job profession, sometimes your profession chooses you. Such is the case in this entertaining and enjoyable read by Amy Stewart. The Kopp sisters, driving to town in their buggy in 1914 are hit by a motorcar driven by Henry Kaufman, a silk factory owner. He is a man of means used to getting his way. When Constance Kopp, the oldest sister, sends him an invoice for repairs to her buggy, all hell breaks loose!
We learn about the Kopp sisters. Constance is stubborn and single minded while trying to hide a family secret. Norma is cloistered; a shut-in more concerned with her pigeons than people. Fleurette, the youngest is a creative free spirit . These eccentric sisters, with the help of Sheriff Heath, try to collect the $50 fee from Kaufman for the buggy repair.
Henry Kaufman is a belligerent man, used to forcing his will on others but he is up against Constance Kopp, a force to be reckoned with. While Constance being schooled by Sheriff Heath, learns to use a revolver and gains investigative skills, Henry Kaufman ups his game.
-
Patricia G. (Dyer, IN)
This Girl Means Business
Miss Constance Kopp is no shrinking violet. In an era (1914) when women were supposed to be docile, domestic, and dependent on men, Ms. Kopp stands out literally and figuratively as anything but. Not only does she stand a head taller than most of the male characters in Amy Stewart's book, she also weathers a difficult, atypical lifestyle: an out-of-wedlock pregnancy, a sometimes violent vendetta with a local "Black Hand" gang led by her nemesis, Henry Kaufman, and a collaboration with Sheriff Heath to help put the gang's leaders behind bars. When in the epilogue I learned that the story was based on real people and situations, Constance became even more of a stand-out feminine icon of her time.
Stewart uses several primary sources to validate the original story but deftly adds her own touches to create living, breathing characters. For example, Constance's sister Norma is also strong-willed and capable; she handles a pistol as well as experimenting with her flock of carrier pigeons. Fleurette, the youngest, is creative and artistic hoping to find her way somehow to the stage; we learn as the story unfolds that she really is Constance's daughter, a secret known only to the family and never revealed to Fleurette. The moral stance of the time forces Constance to assume this difficult dual role, and the reader sees her struggling at times to keep her emotions under control when Fleurette is in danger.
Stewart provides us with an inside view of a turbulent time by giving us strong, well-developed characters based on real-life women making their way in a male-dominated society.
-
Patricia L. (Seward, AK)
Stand Against the Man
Early twentieth century was not a welcome place for women on their own. Not having "a man" meant no protection from other men and the numerous dangers, either real or perceived that could be encountered. Constance and her two sisters were heading to town in their horse drawn buggy when they are unceremoniously hit by an automobile. Unfortunately the driver is a rich, unhinged ne'er do well who refuses to compensate them for the damage. And when provoked by Constance's insistence that he do so, he decides they are easy targets for he and his friends harassment. The story is based on newspaper accounts of real life happenings. Amy Stewart embellishes some but uses clippings about the actual incident and others from the time period in ingenious ways. While reading this gently paced account one has the feeling that the author is building a foundation for future adventures of Constance and her sisters. If as entertaining as Girl Waits With Gun they are sure to be a hit. Recommended for easy entertaining reading in any weather.
-
Carolyn D. (Chico, CA)
You Go Girl!
I was interested in the book because of the true story that inspired the author. It was a very slow start for me but really picked up speed about 80 pages into it. I liked the style of the writing and the other sisters grew on me. I loved Constance from the start. Turned out to be a good and fun read, so don't be discouraged if it starts slow for you -- pays off in the end.
-
Jean G. (Rockford, IL)
NRA would approve
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel of historical fiction that covered the eras from the 1890's to the 1920's in America. It captured the day to day lives of 3 sisters in that period accurately if my memory of history class doesn't fail me. The characters are likable and well developed as is the plot. A few good surprises along the way. A very entertaining way to revisit history. The last part dragged somewhat as I felt I knew the outcome before reaching the end but the sisters grew in depth and kept the interest up. A big plus for me was to find out the book is based on a true story. A light-hearted, fun read for book clubs.
Book Reviewed by:
