Although the description on the book jacket had me intrigued, I had a hard time getting into the rhythm of the narrative. The book's structure and dialogue seemed modern -- a discordant juxtaposition with its historical early 1900s setting. Others have liked it, so I'd encourage interested readers to take a look at more positive reviews if this seems like a book they'd enjoy.

Thank you to Algonquin Books for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. ( )

The characters are enthraling, and the setting is immersive. I thoroughly enjoyed this story about two sisters growing up and growing apart. ( )

Set in Oklahoma in the early 1900s, Prairie Fever tells the story of three people: Gus McQueen, a young man with a talent for memorization who is sent to Oklahoma to teach at a small one-room schoolhouse; and Lorena and Elise Stewart, two very different inseparable sisters who are two of his students. Lorena is practical, steady and determined, whereas Elise is flighty, imaginative and, as some say, a bit “touched”. Gus McQueen will come between the two of them.

In an easy, charming and seductive prose Parker transports us to the prairie of a hundred years ago and tells a big-hearted story about love, family and passion. Once started, the book is hard to put down, and it’s the perfect read for the beach or a rainy day…(or in my case, hiding from the heat and humidity outside and the housework inside). ( )