At eighteen, Celeste Reed, the gamekeeper’s daughter, is forced into an arranged marriage with a man who is more than twice her age. She leaves England for distant, unknown Kenya, a life where she knows no one and a man who doesn’t love her. Within days she and Nicholas are married, and her fate seems sealed. He is uncaring and overbearing and keeps her isolated on his ranch. Celeste struggles to learn the names for so many things she’s never seen before. She yearns to make friends and find something to do with her time, but her husband discourages her. When she gets pregnant, her life seems even bleaker. But when Nicholas leaves her a widow at nineteen, Celeste learns she may have strength she never knew she had and has made far more friends than she thought possible. Africa is no longer a strange land and she feels at home.

There isn’t anything at all not to like about Samburu Hills. This is an amazingly well written story, with vivid descriptions, multi-faceted characters and wonderful dialogue. The use of foreign words and phrases enriches the reader’s experience. The way Celeste evolves, learning and growing as her circumstances change, is truly uplifting. The emotional attachments between Celeste and the servants are heartwarming. I so wanted her to succeed in Africa, and I felt like I was a part of her journey every step of the way. Nicholas’ callous indifference was so true to life I cringed every time he spoke rudely to Celeste. This is a story that will touch the reader, and stay in the mind long after the last words are read. Jennifer Mueller’s Samburu Hills is an awesome read!

Reviewed by: Marlene