DNF'd due to sexual content. I couldn't finish *Victor's Blessing* by Barbara Sontheimer because of the sexual content. Not for me.

Victor Gant, the main character, is your classic tall, dark, and handsome hero. You'll be drawn to his warmth, even knowing he's had a tough life, thanks to an abusive father and a generally unsupportive upbringing. He's someone many of us can relate to – building our own success through hard work and intelligence. Despite not having a formal education, he never gave up and forged connections with people based on his kindness and sincerity. He was overjoyed when a beautiful local girl came into ...

Victor Gant was just 10 years old when he watched his mother struggle through labor alone for three agonizing days. Despite his desperate pleas for his father to call a doctor, the man refused, finally relenting only enough to let Victor run for the neighbor. It was a breech birth, and by the time help arrived, it was too late. The baby, named Catherine, died, and soon after, his beloved mother, O’Sage, passed away as well. His father, Ed Gant, was a miserable alcoholic and a terrible farmer. Wh...

Review: 3.5 stars!*Victor's Blessing* was a soul-shattering historical romance 💔. What surprised me the most was how lush and descriptive Barbara Sontheimer's writing was. We get an incredible glimpse of how harsh life was during the Civil War era.Back in the 1850s in Missouri, life was arduous for immigrants, Native Americans, people of color, and all others marginalized by the wealthy. We follow the story of Victor, who is of part Osage descent and has a Caucasian father. He had to work hard ...

Really enjoyed this! I went into *Victor's Blessing* by Barbara Sontheimer without reading the synopsis, and I'm so glad I did! It made the experience even better. This story was both beautiful and absolutely heartbreaking. It was also incredibly informative. It's clear that Barbara Sontheimer heavily researched the Civil War era, so I felt like I was learning and reading an accurate portrayal of life back then. If you're looking for well-researched historical fiction, this is it. I loved follow...

Barbara Sontheimer's superbly written historical novel, Victor's Blessing, weaves together Missouri's rich local history, a compelling love story, and an intricately woven plot that keeps readers captivated from start to finish. If you're looking for captivating historical fiction, this is it. Victor Gant is not your typical protagonist for a love story set during the Civil War. At 6'5" and of mixed Osage heritage, he works as a blacksmith and is highly respected by those who know him. Victor ha...

First off, I really enjoyed that "Victor's Blessing" is set during the Civil War Era; it’s not a historical period I often get to read about. But what I loved most is that this book focuses on the characters more than the historical events themselves. Victor Gant was just a boy when he watched his mother die. Although his father was cruel and his mother was an Osage Indian slave, Victor grows up to become the respected blacksmith of the community of Ste. Genevieve, Missouri. The heart of the s...

A captivating historical fiction novel that unfolds in Missouri, both before and during the tumultuous Civil War. Victor, of Osage heritage, rises above his impoverished upbringing through intelligence and ingenuity, earning the respect of those around him. His life is enriched by a profound love. However, the eruption of war confronts Victor with agonizing choices. This is a deeply emotional story, subtly interwoven with supernatural elements. The historical accuracy and vivid settings are trul...

I absolutely adored this novel and didn't want it to end. "Victor's Blessing" by Barbara Sontheimer gave me all the feels, and I fell in love with the characters. The writing was so immersive; I truly felt like I was part of their lives, experiencing all the emotions alongside them as we journeyed through life's changes. I especially appreciated how Barbara Sontheimer presented the story from multiple characters' perspectives, allowing you to see the main characters through others' eyes. Althoug...

Elizabeth Peterson – September 11, 2022"Victor's Blessing" was an absolute joy to read from beginning to end. Though the story is filled with heartbreak and disappointment, it ultimately proves to be uplifting and satisfying. Celina is a heroine you won't soon forget, and Victor is a man ahead of his time, both in his thinking and his actions. Barbara Sontheimer paints a telescopic view into a small town in Missouri, leaving readers with the distinct feeling that they have truly lived, if only f...