“Connie Otteson’s book [Unsung Heroes and Settlers of Bonneville County, Idaho] is a collection of short histories of settlers and founding families of an area that is usually barely mentioned in Idaho history books. This far-southeastern corner of Idaho lacks the glamour and mystique of gold, or the rough and tumble days of the timber industry that capture the attention of most historical writers.

“What Bonneville County did have was a harsh, dry, sagebrush-covered land that hid its riches of fertile soil from all but the brave and hardy families who first recognized its worth. Connie has done a commendable job of gathering the stories of these first settlers and giving each a very human face.

“Each story begins with an interesting personal account of an incident in the life of the pioneer…then filling in the personal history …

“This book managed to keep me interested and also to fill in a lot of gaps in my knowledge of Idaho history. It is so important to keep these stories alive so the next generations of Idahoans can appreciate the hardships it took to make this state a home, and to learn a deep respect for not only the land, but the tough and genuine people who settled it.”

“The settlers’ compelling biographies are shared in an informal style that will appeal equally to Northwest history buffs and to the citizens who now reside where unsung heroes once walked. Unsung Heroes makes a valuable contribution to the recorded history of Bonneville County.”

“Unsung Heroes and Settlers of Bonneville County, Idaho adds a dimension not found in standard history books…the short life histories focus on individual strengths and courage the early settlers displayed in overcoming a harsh environment, while experiencing almost overwhelming tragedies and physical obstacles.”

“This book makes us all appreciate our lifestyle compared to the way things were when our forefathers tamed this part of God’s world. Unsung Heroes and Settlers of Bonneville County, Idaho preserves their valuable history.”

“Laura’s Lullaby is a tribute to a long and sometimes difficult life, and to [Laura’s] resilience and ability to survive what life deals out…The author fictionalizes and memorializes [Laura] in a stunning way. [Connie Otteson] is a professional, and her writing is clean, crisp, evocative, and upbeat. This is the kind of book that can be enjoyed by readers of all ages…and reads like a Laura Ingalls Wilder book…lovely writing…to be enjoyed in ever-widening circles.”

“Lovely book [with] unexpected (and heart-breaking) twists. The last paragraph of Chapter 29 was especially touching—and foreboding.”

“Laura’s Lullaby is rich in local color, character, and theme. The story includes a secret and memorably touching turn of events. Laura is the distant eccentric auntie about whose life you only thought you knew. An authentically ‘good read’.”

“The simple style of Laura’s Lullaby illustrates to the reader through deep insights that every life has its disappointments, its triumphs, and in the end, its redemption. Laura’s Lullaby leads one to wonder how many humble, unassuming people there are among us whose stories are never told.”

Other comments about Laura’s Lullaby: “After I started reading, I couldn’t put it down until the last page.” Another reader states, “Laura’s feelings were so intense...keep a box of Kleenex handy.” And others: “The story and the feeling I got from it stayed with me for several days.” ... “I wanted to go to the next chapter immediately upon finishing the previous one” ... “I had some tears at the end. What a sense of loss but hopefulness as well.”

I was SO thrilled to see...the fourth grade history of Bonneville County. I think Connie did a FANTASTIC job! I especially like the introduction. It is a perfect way to introduce the time line in a non-academic fashion.

I would like to offer our congratulations to your book, George Brunt, Young Pioneer! You did such a great job of preserving the memories of our grandpa and his family. I learned many things about the beginnings of Idaho Falls and you made it very interesting. I read the book in a few hours after getting it from my brother, George Brunt. Also I was able to re-live Grandpa’s dictating his life to me way back in 1949 or 1950. He was apologetic about only having a 3rd grade education. He was always fun to be with....joked and loved to tell stories.....He enjoyed life and was always interested in many things. We lived next door and being the oldest granddaughter, I got to know him pretty well. Thanks again!

"'George Brunt' arrived today, and I promptly ripped it open. Thank you so MUCH! What an appealing portrait on the cover. It's a wonderful story and beautifully designed, and the illustrations add so much. I was especially delighted to see the index. Even though it's unconventional in a novel, it will make the book so much more useful as a resource."

"Many schools in the area see George Brunt: Young Pioneer of Eagle Rock as a valuable addition to Idaho history and are using it in the classroom curriculum. It may be aimed at young folks, but the story will entertain, captivate, and educate readers of all ages."

"Interesting and engaging read, especially for students in Idaho who study their history. Photos augmented the text which is quite comprehensive."

“You've done an amazing job on this project... What a wonderful part of history to preserve. [It is vital] that their stories are not forgotten.”

“...[The ending is] tonally perfect--both figuratively and literally poetic... Thanks for taking this reader to a beautiful and hallowed place.”

“I just finished reading the book about Darby. What a wonderful trip down memory lane! I can't wait for my daughters to read it.”

 

"I enjoyed every page of the Darby book. What an enormous amount of time and effort just to collect all that material from Darby fans, and then put it all together so it flowed and read like a good story."

"I just wanted to say again thanks for writing the book about Darby. It needed to be done and you did an excellent job. I think it is the best book by far ever written about Darby. I have enjoyed reading it and will continue to study it. It makes me want to go back to the mountains of Darby and brings back so many memories."