The Branding Iron

By: Katharine Newlin Burt

Narrated by: James Holt

This is the story of a brave woman - Joan Carver - of modest means, trying to make her own life, in a world dangerously dominated by all-male forces and desires and impulses. An absorbing, thought provoking but also stunningly entertaining Western novel that manages to make the listener think and feel in equal measure!Public Domain (P)2019 Musaicum Books

I was curious as to what my distant cousin would write

I really gave this book a chance. But the message within the story is that of a toxic codependent relationship and I just can’t abide by that. I wish the story had a more empowering ending for the heroine, instead, she returns to an oppressive life with a man who hurt her. I don’t get that all the other characters that took advantage of her. I could see why she would distance herself from them after she had found out, but to return to an abuser??! What was in my cousin’s head? I do not recommend this book unless you’re curious.