Book Summary and Reviews of A Fireproof Home for the Bride by Amy Scheibe

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Therese X. (Calera, AL)

A powerful, engrossing novel of Fifties America
In late 1950's Minnesota, young Emmy Nelson, a child of a strict Christian family, soon begins to see life differently than her family who have chosen her future husband, Ambrose, from the established Brann family to maintain the status quo of land, family and patriotic beliefs. Wanting to postpone the inevitable she studies hard, does well in school, yet knowing there has to be more to life, than her narrow future. With the help of her school counselor, Mr. Utke, she takes a job at the local movie house which leads to a newspaper gig. And she reads 'forbidden novels" which tell of exciting lives outside her own. Emmy also has the usual teenage fun with friends, going over to Fargo to dance, smoke and have a drink or two when her life makes a heart-lurching turn. She meets the stunningly handsome and obviously smitten Bobby Doyle and the fact that he's Catholic doesn't deter her as she puts aside the strict views of her upbringing.

Soon, Emmy learns that life is more complex than she thought when her ex-fiancé, Ambrose, suddenly reveals a cruel, ugly side that drives her away-- and groups are forming to keep that part of America "straight" in the face of social changes. When fires are set to drive out "unsuitable people" who are a threat to the "Brann family way of life", the brewing racism and entrenched nationalism create drama and destruction that threaten the future.

The 1950s ambiance of this novel comes through in a light way initially, but eventually the ugly truth of social unrest that most people thought happened only "down South" make this novel both a page turner and an eye-opener. The writer delves into how families bond and how they break apart and the characters and events are so deeply realized, they stay with the reader after the final page.

Sharon P. (Jacksonville, FL)

a fireproof home for the bride (title on book in lower case)
Emmaline Nelson is an 18 year old, naïve small town girl whose mother has planned for years for her her to marry a local farmer six years her senior. At first Emma accepts this,going along with the plans until second thoughts cause her to wonder if there are other options. Some under handed activities of her fiancé and his friends worry her.

She meets a handsome young man her age and falls for him, but later realizes he will probably not marry her.

Her family puts a great deal of pressure on her until she moves to another relative's home.

Getting a job at the local newspaper office may be her salvation.

Good story with enough twists to pique your curiosity.

Vy A. (Phoenix, AZ)

A Fireproof Home for the Bride
A Fireproof Home for the Bride is a gentle read, yet it deals with volatile issues such as racism of the 50's, corrupt politics, immigration and religious differences. It is a coming-of-age for Emmeline Nelson whose future seems to be cast in stone by her parents and community, yet she is a rebellious strong character who struggles to succumb to the mundane life they have chosen for her. The author has effectively captured the feelings of a young girl torn between obedience and the lure of independence, as well as the first yearnings of love and sexual awakening. The setting of rural Minnesota is described with such vivid detail that this reader felt the effect the weather has on our feelings and thoughts. The minor characters are very believable with their motivations justifying their actions, often deplorable. If you are a child of the 50's, you'll also enjoy the many references to the music , fashions and trends of the times. I would recommend this book for the above reasons and because Ms. Scheibe has created a heroine in Emmy that we care about. We keep turning the pages to see if she is, indeed, the architect of her young life.

Diane W. (Lake Villa, IL)

Fireproof Home for the Bride
How times have changed...but I'm old enough to have a true sense of all that has evolved over the past 60 years for our society, and particularly, women. The struggle for gender equity has caused some change, but some things in our Midwest still exist...bias, prejudice, religious disconnections --- sometimes hooded, but still in place. I really enjoy this book and revisiting those decades with reflection. I agree with some others that it was a slow start...but I kept going and truly enjoyed this read!

Trezeline B. (Columbia, MD)

A Fireproof Home for the Bride
What a wonderful book. You can actually see the story build to a tremendous climax. A satisfied, enjoyable, and page turning read. I loved this book.

Eileen L. (Danvers, MA)

Wonderfully written and engrossing
I loved this book. It far exceeds what one expects it to be -a coming of age story in a time when women's options were limited and mostly pre-ordained. But this book takes off in to other complicated and painful areas. The writing and the story flows and I could not put it down.

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