Tatiana (Upward Way Chronicles, #1) by Madeline Brock

Tatiana (Upward Way Chronicles, #1) Reviews

• 
  Brenda Roberson

  Tatiana Bergman was born in the hills of Pennsylvania in the year 1831 and was named after a fairy queen. She lived up to that name. She was terribly spoiled by her family and felt like she should always get her way. Which she usually did. Her sisters, Gretchen and Rose, helped take care of her since their daddy, Hans, had to work and and mommy had died. Tatiana was lacking in only one thing: "a firm hand to correct her when she did wrong". One morning Jonny Creek shows up at church and Tatiana goes to sit with him, much to her sisters horror. He is a very intriguing stranger and she is very outspoken and does not understand socially accepted conduct. She just had to find out if he was a "real Indian" or not.
  
  At the age of 10, Tatty only had one friend, Katerina Siegfried, because she was often cruel in her words and actions. But she had given her childlike, sinful heart to Jesus so He could make her clean again. She had to continually ask God to forgive her for her rash tongue, acting in haste before thinking and for being willful. At the age of 11, this is a near impossible. With tenacity, willpower and steadfastness she follows what she believes God has called her to be. At the age of 13, she talks to a friend about Jesus and how He made her heart clean. At the age of 14, she goes to help take care of a couple of kids whose mother has died much as what had happened to her. Sending her pay home to help her family, Tatiana is truly an inspiration.
  
  When she returns home at age 17, Tatiana is a much more mature woman and she reconnects with Jonny. But what of Robert, Reverend Matthews son? He adores her as well. What would God have her do? Which of these men is the man God wants for her? How can she know this for sure? "God knows your heart and He loves you just the same." Tatiana knows Who has her heart yet should she settle for the man she knows or wait on God?
  
  I loved the interaction between Tatiana and Jonny. Their friendship grew into something special. Being half Cherokee myself, I must admit to favoring Jonny though. And just for the record Native Americans are and never were savage. This book is filled with the act of forgiveness and will keep any reader interested and sometimes amused at the antics of the young people. I recommend TATIANA as the first of a series that I will greatly enjoy reading.
• 
  Donadee's Corner

  Review Tatiana
  Author: Madaline Brock
  
  Recently I received this as a beta reader from the author, which I really love doing. Reading the new work of authors on their books gives me a feeling of being there in the beginning. Watching the growth and development is exciting.
  
  Tatiana Bergman views life through a different lens than others in rural Pennsylvania in the 1840's. She says and does what she likes as her passionate, impulsive behavior confounds her sisters and appalls her peers. Life only gets more complicated when Tatiana befriends Jonny Creek, a mischievous young man whose Native American blood puts him on the fringes of society. She struggles to subdue her wild spirit and keep her heart pure while wrestling with conceited school mates and her own selfish nature. A few years later as a mature and confident young woman, Tatiana finds herself in a battle of her will between two young men, and the God she serves.
  
  What did I like? There are several things that I liked about Tatiana, the first is the period that it's written in. The other is Tatiana herself. Watching along as she struggles to get from childhood to adulthood and the fight within herself to understand her relationship with her faith. I always thought that I should have been born during this time frame as I love it so much. The beginnings that our country went through and the developments as they came about. The freedom even though sometimes it was very hard yet it was glorious. To see a child become fully aware of God and to learn what and how to become comfortable within yourself is wondrous. Ms Brock has brought this girl to life and you can identify with all the humorous trials that she goes through in growing up. The more serious side when she becomes aware of the opposite sex is done in an open but serious way.
  
  What are you going to like? Ms Brock has written a wonderful and engaging book. You will laugh and cry with the simple way of life and enjoy the mystical discoveries as Tatiana discovers herself and what life is all about. You will be hooked like I was and the book will keep you till the last page is turned. This book is really about life and finding and discovering it. I enjoyed the depth that she went to in explaining and yet it was not overbearing to the point of boredom. Her descriptions were concise and very descriptive and will definitely draw you into the timeframe. A great book for all age groups.
  
• 
  Sarah

  This book was a surprising and refreshing change of pace! While I was expecting a rather typical nineteenth-century romance, Madeline Brock offers so much more with “Tatiana.” It is easy to see the influence of “Anne of Green Gables” and “Little Women” that are mentioned in the author’s biographical information. I was not expecting the eponymous heroine to be ten years old at the story’s opening, and I loved being able to read about her childhood for about half of the book, which was a bit unique from other books within this genre. In fact, “Tatiana” could easily be enjoyed by a young adult or even teenage audience.
  
  Tatiana herself undergoes a dramatic yet convincing character transformation throughout the course of the novel, to the extent that I would classify this book as a bildungsroman. An impetuous, undisciplined 10-year-old with no sense of decorum, Tatiana’s life begins to change when she meets Jonny Creek, a half-Indian boy fostered by a local family. Her metanoia, however, comes after a harrowing nighttime escape from a pack of wolves. While a bit melodramatic at times, Tatiana demonstrates the inevitable marching on of time and the importance of friendship and family.
  
  I received a complimentary copy of this book through Celebrate Lit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.
• 
  Patti Whitson Stephenson She Lives to Read

  This book reads as if it could have been written in the late 1800’s, and I mean this as a compliment to the author. There’s very much a “Louise May Alcott” vibe all through the book, and reminded me a little bit of the Alcott book “Rose in Bloom”. The title character, Tatiana, has a bit of the spirit of Jo Marsh from “Little Women”, and that made this story interesting to read.
  
  In this book, the reader follows Tatiana as she grows from a rebellious little girl to a faith-filled young adult. There’s a strong salvation message all throughout the story as Tatiana strives to live out her faith through the struggles of her life. Some of her childhood antics made me laugh. The author tackles prejudice in part of the book, and those parts have a more serious turn. But this all blends together well, and I enjoyed reading Tatiana’s story.
  
  I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
• 
  Sandra Stiles

  I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
  
  As a debut novel for this author I have to say I will be reading more of her work. I love the time period when people didn’t take so much for granted. Tatiana Bergman is the youngest in her family. She has two other sisters, Gretchen and Rose. They live with their father and their mother is deceased. As the oldest Gretchen must try to raise her sisters the way her mother would have wanted. This is a difficult task with a ten year old sister like Tatiana. She is not ready to be a refined, young lady. She wants to have fun. One Sunday morning she sees a family enter the church with a young man whom she believes to be an Indian. She wastes no time in trying to find out. Jonny Creek is a half-breed. He and Tatiana become the best of friends. When everyone else is quick to criticize either of them they are there for each other. This story takes us through several years of their lives. We see young Tatiana give her life to God and strive to really change, to make a difference. But what happens when she catches the eye of not just Jonny, but the preacher’s son? Will she grow impatient as she is so apt to do or will she wait for God’s choice to be made clear to her?
  I have to say from the minute I began to read this book until I finished it I loved Tatiana. She really wanted to be good. It didn’t come easy for her. She worked hard to be good. Jonny actually brought out the good in her. Her friendship with him was genuine and strong. Her relationship with Robert came out of her deciding to go fishing with him one day when Jonny was unable to meet up with her. He was polite and let her tag along. She wasn’t invited. However, this gave him the opportunity to see her true loving side. I could see myself in her so much. As a child I was more like Gretchen. I almost always did what was right. However, whenever I got that stubborn streak then I was more like Tatiana. It is funny because I grew up on a farm and our punishment was to be locked in the pantry under the stairs until we were ready to admit we were wrong and decide to change our ways.
  I would definitely recommend this book to my friends. It is a light romance, yet you can feel so much family love throughout the entire story. I definitely enjoyed this book and am so happy that I was asked to review this book.
• 
  Sally

  I loved this book by Madeline Brock. I fell in love with Tatiana and couldn't wait to see what she would get into next. She was born in 1831 and was named for a fairy queen. She lived up to her name by being spoiled by family members and feeling like she should always get her way. Her older sisters help take care of her since their daddy works and their mother died. Jonny Creek shows up at church one morning, and Tatiana goes to sit with him, this intriguing stranger. She is very outspoken and forthright, not understanding decorum and social niceties.
  
  However, at a young age, she gives her childlike, sinful heart to Jesus to make clean again. She would have to continually ask God to forgive her for her rash tongue, for acting before she thought, and for being headstrong. At 11, this is a huge feat, but with grit, determination, and persistence, she follows what she believes God has called her to be. At 13, she talks to a friend of hers about Jesus and how he made her heart clean. At 14, she goes to take care of a couple of kids whose mother has died. Tatiana is an inspiration.
  
  When she returns at age 17, Tatiana is a more mature woman and she and Jonny reconnect. But what of Robert? He likes her as well. What would God have her do? Which of these men is the man God has for her? How can Tatiana know for sure?
  
  Forgiveness runs throughout this story. God is a God of compassion, "He knows your heart and He loves you just the same." Tatiana knows who has her heart, but should she settle for the man she knows or wait on God? As she lives her life, her story drew me in. I laughed, cried, and cheered as I read. Can't wait to read more by Madeline Brock!
  
  I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
• 
  Dana Kamstra

  Characters: Tatiana was quite a character! She was spunky and strived to be good. She told it how it was and tried to make all things right. Her relationships with the people around her were varied, but for the most part, I think people couldn’t help but like her, and that went for me as well.
  
  Storyline: This story took place over a few years. The novel starts out when Tatiana is ten and ends when she is eighteen or nineteen. Throughout the story, we see Tatiana learn to live her faith, gain and lose friends, take on more responsibilities, and struggle with matters of the heart.
  
  My Thoughts: Overall, I found this to be a fun novel to read. Tatiana’s character definitely adds a certain level of exuberance to the story. There is a certain level of depth in the way that Tatiana strives to live out her faith and practice things like forgiveness. She is a bold person and her faith is just as bold. There were times I found the novel to be a bit slow and a few other moments that I wish the story went into a bit more depth rather than just summarizing some time. But as a debut novel and as a start of a series, I think this was a wonderful novel from Madeline Brock. I will be looking forward to the next story in this series because I’m sure it will only get better from here.
  
  **I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.**
• 
  Rebekah Haynes

  
Tatiana Bergman views life through a different lens than most. She says and does what she likes without regard for hurt feelings on the way. Living in the 1840s in rural Pennsylvania, her passionate, impulsive behavior confounds her sisters and appalls her peers.��Life only gets more complicated when Tatiana befriends Jonny Creek, a mischievous young man whose Native American blood puts him on the fringes of society. Jonny is trouble; Tatiana is intrigued. Together they spell out disaster. From being chased by wolves, to bashing around fancy gatherings, the unlikely pair get into one scrape after another.
When tragedy strikes the Bergman family, Tatiana is compelled to leave the security of her childhood home to live in the bustling city of Philadelphia. There, she is forced into adulthood as she deals with a mysterious young coworker and an unsavory employer.
Tatiana struggles to subdue her wild spirit and keep her heart pure while making the right choices and wrestling with her own woman she finds herself in a battle of her will between two young men and the God she serves.
  
  Tatiana is the youngest daughter of three sisters and has a fiesty and adventurous spirit! This a charming story chronicles her journey from a precocious 10 year old to a young woman of 17. This story includes her personal journey that intersects with issues of prejudice, and a love triangle that comes to a riveting conclusion.
  
  It was lovely to journey with the heroine from childhood to womanhood and watch her grow into a mature, confident woman that still has liveliness balanced with wisdom . It was truly an enjoyable read!
• 
  Erin

  My Thoughts on Tatiana:
  This is such a sweet read. I loved watching Tatiana grow and change. She starts as a spoiled brat with no mother and an oft absent working father and grows and changes. These changes are due to giving her heart to God as a child. Once she learns to control her sinful ways and be a bit less spoiled her life gets better and becomes more interesting.
  
  Tatiana didn’t have many friends before she learned to control her wicked ways. Now she goes off to take care of children who’s mother died much like hers. When she comes home she’s a young woman and so changed from her young girl ways.
  
  Will she do the unthinkable and fall in love with an Indian man or will she play it safe with the pastor’s son?
  
  I love that this is going to be a series as I really enjoyed this book and see myself enjoying the rest of the series as well. They’re being added to my to be read list as I type. You’re going to love getting to know Tatiana and watching her change and grow.
  
  This time period isn’t one I read about often. Tatiana was born in the 1830s so the main action in the book takes place before the Civil War. The Civil War is a time period I have read and studied a lot about. I think I might like to start researching the 20-30 years leading up to the war now.
  
  I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
• 
  Ruth Hill

  I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated and all opinions are 100 percent mine.
  
  This is a Christian historical fiction book, and it is completely clean while also being infused with a very strong gospel message. I sometimes was not certain about the authenticity of the historical novel, but since I have not studied this time period, I will assume it was researched and presented correctly.
  
  I was not overly invested in the story over much of the book. I believe it would capture the attention of young adults much more than I, but of course, I don't hold that against the book or the author. However, even if I had been the target audience, I believe I still would have struggled to connect with the characters since most appeared to be two-dimensional. I kept wavering on my rating of this book.
  
  Thankfully, this book had two major strengths that finally earned it a four-star rating. Tatiana was the most well-developed character in the book, and I'm happy to state that she drove the storyline in a fun and entertaining style.
  
  I also commend the author for the wonderful story of faith included in the book. Tatiana is a devout Christian who has her foibles, but when it comes to matters of the heart, her faith guides her decision. This is an element that resonates with me on a deep level. Sometimes Christian heroines are not as vocal about their faith, but Tatiana cannot do anything quietly.
• 
  Betti

  With wonderful detail, the author has taken us back to the hills of Pennsylvania in the 1830’s when life was easier, perhaps, and yet had its own hardships. Tatiana, the youngest of three daughters, has a mind of her own, is spoiled, opinionated and very stubborn. Unfortunately with mother dying years earlier, the fairy princess, Tatiana, has very little discipline and just plain does her own thing!
  
  I thoroughly enjoyed watching Tatiana develop from a rebellious young girl who thought only of herself to a beautiful young adult growing in faith and learning to put others first. She becomes a different person when she allows God to enter her life and take control of it. Needless to say, she doesn’t change overnight, but the ongoing growth is noticed by her friends who question how this came about. Young men come calling and choices must be made. Will she make the right one?
  
  I received book #1 in the Upward Way Chronicles through Rosway Press and CelebrateLit. The comments and impressions are my own and were in no way solicited.
• 
  Kendra Neal

  I really enjoy books that take us back in time and this book, Tatiana by Madeline Brock, takes us back to the 1830's.
  
  Tatiana is being raised by her Dad after her mom dies. She is the youngest of 3 sisters. The family attends church weekly, she meets a young lad, Jonny, Jonny and Tatiana become fast friends. She also becomes friends with the Pastors son, Robert. Tatiana has a lot going on her life and is rebellious as a young girl. She gives her life to Christ and begins to seek forgiveness for her sins and tries to not be so rebellious. She has many struggles throughout her teen years, but as she nears 18, she is becoming less rebellious and more mature. She really has a grown liking for both Jonny and Robert? Who will she choose? Will one of them become a life long mate??
  
  I really enjoyed reading this book. Tatiana is much like me: Bold and Spunky! The author really has a GREAT book here and I am looking forward to reading more in this series as this is the 1st book in the Upward Chronicles series. FANTASTIC book!
• 
  Deana Dick

  What a nice story about a young girl who discovers Jesus and along the way grows into a faithful woman. Tatiana is a handful for her sisters with her sassiness and rebellious attitude. I laughed several times at her quick wit. I loved how hungry she was to learn the Bible and be a better person. It is a book chocked full of faith. Jonny is someone who I just knew Tatiana would connect with. They seemed to have similar curious manners and defiant at times. It was interesting to see their friendship develop over the years.
  
  The story is set in the 1830’s where we see families struggling to survive. Times were hard for them but I could sense the joy Tatiana had for living her life to the fullest. Prejudice does come into the picture and I liked how the author handled it. As Tatiana becomes older she catches the eyes of several young men. I wonder who she will choose? It is a good book I think young teens would enjoy.
  
  I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
• 
  Debbie

  I really enjoyed "Tatiana:" by Madeline Brock. It is filled with humor, tears, romance, and Christian elements without being preachy. This is a book that I would read again. I really am eager to read the other books in the series. In fact, I just brought the other two books in this series.
  
  This is a book about what real love is and how Jesus can really change a person from the inside out if they allow Him to!
  
  This book really kept me reading and enjoying from the first page till the last page.
  
  I received a complimentary copy from the author and Celebrate Lit. These opinions are my own.
  
• 
  Dawn Trainer

  Grace Livingston Hill charm with Anne of Green Gables Spirit!
  
  This book was not what I was expecting, yet I could not put it down!
  
  I hope Made line writes many more in this series.
  
  I would love to see the awful Johanna redeemed.
• 
  Debra

  Some might not appreciate this novel for its engaging and well-developed story and characters as there is a great deal of religion and religious topics mentioned, but it is not meant or seems preachy but just part of the story and historical time period of the novel.
• 
  Mel

  Writing style is strange
  
  I can't even put my finger on why this book seems so bad to me. I tried skipping ahead and found I still couldn't care enough to finish. It's so wooden or something.
• 
  Ford, Patricia Jean

  Sweet
  
  Probably more a book for teens, it was still a sweet read. The character development was pretty good and worth reading
• 
  Sandra Barnett

  Good read
  
  I loved the story! A little long to get started, however it became a beautiful read! It was exciting and funny!
• 
  Merry

  Exciting Series
  
  Exciting book. I've read the first two books. They are well written with interesting characters. I look forward to more books of the series.
• 
  Cynthia Graf

  Good read
  
  This was a fun book to read. I think it falls in the young adult category, but I enjoyed it none the less.
• 
  Joleen

  I don’t want to be unkind, but this book is really for ages twelve and under.
  
  Nice story but the writing is far too simple.
• 
  Theodene

  A typical carefree child, Tatiana Bergman says and does what she feels. She reminds me of a child who says what she thinks and does whatever she pleases without a care in the world. The effects of her words on others nor what others might think of her are any concern of Tatiana’s, even resulting in getting attacked by wolves late one night with a half-Indiana boy she will soon befriend, Jonny Creek.
  
  Tatiana is the youngest of three daughters of Hans and their mother had already passed away, leaving the girls to run the chores their mother would normally have completed. Set in rural Pennsylvania in the 1840s, it is common for the women of the home to do the gardening and cooking and cleaning while the men did everything else. Young Tatiana would have nothing to do with chores or embroidery. It is not until she grows into her teen years that she’s willing to become a young lady who sews, cooks, gardens, etc.
  
  One day, Hans falls off a ladder and breaks some bones causing him to be bedridden until he heals. This results in the girls doing extra work outside the home so they can earn more money to keep their home. Tatiana is a bit older now and worried about their financial situation, so she soon becomes the nanny for a Reverend in Philadelphia, who has two young children.
  
  Suddenly, Tatiana finds that she is also obligated to cook and clean for the Reverend. The Reverend is a widower and insists the family is still mourning their loss with the drapes always closed and everyone needing to wear black. He also does not allow laughter, braided hair, or any form of disrespect. Will Tatiana be able to conform to these new rules?
  
  The personalities in Tatiana, by Madeline Brock, are described as if the individuals lived in my own neighborhood. Details in the setting of the town as well as each interaction with the characters are realistically portrayed. Tatiana is published by Rosway Press. I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.
  
  This book was first published at
  http://www.babookworm808.com/
• 
  Carol Erhardt

  Tatiana Bergman views life through a different lens than most and says and does what she likes without regard for hurt feelings along the way. Living in rural Pennsylvania in the 1840s, her passionate, impulsive behavior confounds her sisters and appalls her peers.
  
  Life only gets more complicated when Tatiana befriends Jonny Creek, a mischievous young man whose Native American blood puts him on the fringes of society. She struggles to subdue her wild spirit and keep her heart pure while wrestling with conceited school mates and her own selfish nature.
  
  A few years later as a mature and confident young woman, Tatiana finds herself in a battle of her will between two young men, and the God she serves.
  
  This is a delightful coming of age story. Tatiana makes choices which make her life increasingly more difficult in the eyes of her current society, but she has a heart which is kind despite her own selfishness. The story unfolds to show the layers of the heroine's willingness to do whatever is needed to help her family when a tragedy threatens them. As she matures, she must look into her heart to determine with whom her future lies...will true love win out?
  
  This is the first book written by Madeline Brock and it doesn't disappoint. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical coming of age books. I rated the book with three stars because I couldn't choose 3.5. I enjoyed it and expect to see more from this young author in the future! (I was given a copy of this book for an honest review.)