Book Review: Heart of Grit

Reviewed by Elizabeth Reiser

A heartfelt & lovely historical drama for young adults

Set in 1860, Shelli Sivert’s Heart of Grit explores the lives of two teenagers living on the American frontier during a time of unrest. Beatrice Brannon and Charlie Rye haven’t always seen eye-to-eye, but both can agree they want better lives for themselves. When a contest is held to land a spot working for the Pony Express, they finally see a solution to both their problems. 

For headstrong Bea, this job could be her opportunity to earn enough money to pay off her recently passed father’s debts, as well as keep her family’s land. For down on his luck Charlie, securing this position would mean proving to himself and everyone else he’s not like his father, a man who struggles with alcoholism and the ability to hold down a steady job. 

When they both land the two available spots, it seems like a perfect situation until Bea is denied the role because she is female. Working together, she and Charlie devise a plot that will allow her to do the job via a bit of creative deception—and a lot of disguises. 

As Bea and Charlie both make their way toward carving out their new lives, they are disheartened to discover several bad characters and a lot of corruption along the way. Can they find the strength within themselves to fight against the injustices they’re encountering and still accomplish their goals?

Throughout the book, Bea and Charlie remain likable protagonists. It is clear they genuinely want to do what is best for others, even if that means putting their own lives at risk. With how well-intentioned they both are, it could be easy for them to read as unrealistic, but the author does a good job of humanizing them. Sivert showcases Bea’s tendencies to be a bit self-involved, forgetting birthdays and treating Charlie unkindly, as well as Charlie’s impulsiveness, which leads him into situations like randomly and inexplicably promising to marry a prostitute in five years. When these characters fail, they fail hard, but the reader cannot help but root for them to get back on their feet. 

Heart of Grit uses both the American Civil War and the Pony Express, including the lesser-known Pyramid Lake War, as secondary characters of the book. These historical elements of this young adult drama are well presented, and Sivert goes a step further and includes a section with more detailed information about these plot points. The setting adds depth and tension to the story, which ultimately elevates the work. 

With strong and likable main characters and a great setting, Heart of Grit delivers a solid historical story with a touch of sweet closed-door romance. This has the potential to be a strong series if Sivert chooses to explore Bea and Charlie’s lives and relationships as the Civil War rages on. 

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